In a world where patriarchy remains a formidable force, women across Central Asia are challenging the status quo and redefining success on their own terms. From the remote villages of the Kyrgyz Republic to bustling cities in Kazakhstan, women are pushing back against the invisible barriers that have long kept them grounded. Professor Shumaila Yousafzai, a prominent researcher and advocate for women in business, has been at the forefront of this movement, documenting and celebrating the stories of resilient women across the region.

Originally from Pakistan, Yousafzai has spent the past five years living in Kazakhstan as a professor at the Graduate School of Business at Nazarbayev University. Her research focuses on entrepreneurship, particularly for disadvantaged groups. This year, she has published two significant works that shed light on the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs in Central Asia.

Her book, Trailblazers of the Steppes: Inspiring Narratives of Women in Business in Kazakhstan, highlights the stories of 50 female entrepreneurs who are making waves in the business world. Additionally, Yousafzai's monograph, Together We Have It All: Women Entrepreneurs in the Tourism Sector, a Case Study of the Kyrgyzstan Community, provides an in-depth exploration of women-led community-based tourism in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Yousafzai challenges the traditional Western notions of entrepreneurship, which often emphasize the need for substantial capital and groundbreaking ideas. Drawing on the effectual theory proposed by Saras D. Sarasvathy, she argues that entrepreneurship can start with minimal resources and evolve through collaboration and creativity. “You don’t need a lot of money; you don’t need a lot of connections or a brilliant business idea. You just start with what you have in hand,” she explains.

Through her extensive travels and research, Yousafzai has observed a different kind of entrepreneurial value—one that prioritizes community, family, and well-being over conventional measures of success. “We need to reevaluate the concept of value and success,” she says. “For these women, value is giving to their community and the people around them.”

Yousafzai’s stories are not just about business success but also about the profound care and support women extend to their families and communities. She highlights how women in places like the Kyrgyz Republic manage homestays, balancing numerous tasks while fostering a strong sense of community. In Kazakhstan, she recounts inspiring tales of women like Bulbul Kapkyzy, who teaches Kazakh crafts to future generations, and a mother of ten who exports bamboo to Europe while nurturing her family.

The professor emphasizes the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the contributions of these women. “Telling stories acknowledges the hard work women do,” she says. “That is something all people seek—acknowledgment and appreciation.”

Yousafzai also addresses the broader challenge of patriarchy, noting that it is a universal issue. She encourages societies to support women without forcing them to conform to traditional male roles. “We don’t need to become like a man to be successful,” she asserts. Her travels have shown her that Kazakh women, in particular, enjoy greater empowerment due to their nomadic heritage, which contrasts with the more rigid gender roles in neighboring countries.

Men also play a crucial role in breaking barriers and supporting women, according to Yousafzai. She advocates for men to be allies—using their resources and positions to champion women’s causes. “Men are not always creating barriers. They are helping women,” she notes, urging more men to become “cheerleaders” for women’s successes.

As Yousafzai continues her mission to highlight and support women entrepreneurs, she remains hopeful about the future. Her work not only illuminates the incredible achievements of women in Central Asia but also inspires a reevaluation of success and value in the entrepreneurial world.

For those interested in exploring these inspiring narratives further, Yousafzai's books offer a window into the lives of women who are redefining success and making significant contributions to their communities.