Championing environmental and social inclusivity: Mira (Kyrgyzstan), Gulshat (Turkmenistan) and Nigina (Uzbekistan)
Though their paths began in different corners of Central Asia, Nigina, Mira and Gulshat share a common purpose: to create inclusive, resilient communities where young people, especially young women, are not only heard, but empowered to lead. Through the Young Women for Peace Initiative (YW4P), launched by OSCE/WIN and funded by the European Union (EU), they have turned that belief into collaborative action across borders.
Growing up in Kyrgyzstan, Mira Dzhakshylykova was shaped by both the breathtaking nature and the pressing environmental challenges it faces. “Witnessing environmental degradation and underuse of our natural potential early on nurtured my deep commitment to peacebuilding, women’s empowerment and inclusive leadership,” she says.
With a background in environmental management, sustainable development and water diplomacy, she now works as a junior climate change specialist and emerging advocate for inclusive leadership in Central Asia. Her journey began by leading youth workshops on environmental justice, where she saw the potential of young women to drive change. “Taking leadership in climate and peace advocacy was a natural path. Sustainable development isn’t possible without gender equality.”
From representing youth at global water diplomacy forums to launching eco-education projects for minority youth, Mira's work combines climate action with social inclusion. One of her proudest achievements is an eco-education project for children from minority communities in her hometown. “The project focused on waste reduction and climate action, while also empowering children to see themselves as change-makers,” she explains.
Navigating a male-dominated field hasn’t always been easy, but Mira draws strength for her purpose. “Gender equality is essential to stability in Central Asia. It enables inclusive decision-making and fosters social cohesion. Women bring unique perspectives to peacebuilding and are often at the frontlines of climate and community resilience.”
Through the Young Women for Peace Initiative, Mira has strengthened her voice as a peacebuilder and enhanced her skills in gender-responsive policy work.
“The programme has connected me with inspiring peers and helped me to integrate gender perspectives into my environmental and policy work. It strengthened my voice as a young woman peacebuilder,” she says.
Her message to young women is a call for action: “Lead with purpose - don’t wait for permission. Let’s build a more peaceful and just Central Asia, together.”
New generation leading climate action
In her early years in Turkmenistan, Gulshat Annamuradova witnessed the impact of environmental degradation on communities and chose to act. With a master’s degree in education management, she has since dedicated her career to climate advocacy and youth empowerment, with a special focus on young women leading in peacebuilding and sustainability. “I witnessed firsthand the environmental challenges our region faces. This experience fueled my passion for sustainable development and for supporting young women to lead in peacebuilding and environmental initiatives.”
Early on, she organized an eco-camp that deepened her understanding of youth empowerment. Though she initially faced skepticism in climate activism, Gulshat built strong networks and led impactful initiatives across the country. “I learned resilience and the value of community support,” she reflects.
She co-founded @climate_action.tm, a youth-led platform promoting climate awareness in Turkmenistan. Since 2022, she has organized Local Conferences of Youth on Climate Change, reaching more than 400 young people annually. Her work, in partnership with government actors, has influenced national youth and climate policies. “My goal is to create a community of young people who are equipped with knowledge and skills and passionate about climate action and taking an active role in shaping climate policies,” she adds.
Gulshat describes the YW4P as a turning point in her career: “The programme enhanced my skills in project management, negotiation and advocacy and gave me the platform to connect with like-minded young women across Central Asia.”
She is now co-leading a regional project with YW4P peers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, organizing negotiation workshops for youth in Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. “It’s a blessing to meet and work with such talented and enthusiastic young women. They inspire and motivate me every day.”
To the next generation, she offers this advice: “Believe in your capacity to affect change. Seek mentorship, embrace challenges as learning opportunities and remember that your unique perspective is invaluable in shaping a more equitable and peaceful world.”
From an isolated town to a regional change-maker
Raised between Samarkand and the isolated town of Zarafshan in Uzbekistan, Nigina Rakhmatova witnessed firsthand the impact of limited information, harmful gender norms and environmental neglect. “I saw a society where natural resources were overused without concern for the future, and violence against girls was normalized and survivors were blamed. These realities shaped my deep commitment to peacebuilding, women’s empowerment and leadership.”
At just 16, the loss of two classmates to forced marriage became a defining moment. Encouraged by her mother to pursue her dreams, Nigina launched a campaign with her peers providing free language and art workshops for youth - despite resistance, even from women she admired. “If f someone says you can’t do it, it’s often because they recognize your strength and fear your potential,” she learned.
Her activism continued through her volunteer work with NGOs, leading initiatives to prevent gender-based violence and improve access to education. One of her most meaningful experiences was working with an organization supporting youth with disabilities, where she helped create inclusive spaces for all young people to thrive and lead change. “My proudest achievement has been creating safe, inclusive and creative spaces where youth from all backgrounds can believe in their power to make a difference.”
Nigina sees gender equality as a foundation for progress and peace in Central Asia. “It’s not about losing our identity, it’s about ensuring everyone has access to education, decent jobs, and equal pay for equal roles.”
Joining the YW4P was a transformative step in her journey. “It reaffirmed my commitment to peacebuilding and gave visibility to the challenges and victories of many young women across the region. Most importantly, it gave me the opportunity to work on cross-border projects with emerging leaders from Central Asia - something I had long dreamed of. Together, we are shaping history.”
Her message to young women is powerful and clear: “Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about purpose, courage and action. Never forget that your voice matters - and the world needs it now more than ever.”
Mira, Gulshat and Nigina are among the 18 young women from Central Asia and Afghanistan participating in the Young Women for Peace (YW4P) Initiative, funded by the European Union. As part of the OSCE Gender Issues Programme’s WIN for Women and Men project, YW4P promotes young women’s leadership in peace and security across Central Asia and Afghanistan. This series spotlights their stories, highlighting their contributions and the Initiative’s lasting impact on their journeys.