The USAID Agribusiness Competitiveness in Tajikistan (ACAT) project has created one of the most inspiring photo books, “Trailblazers: 15 Fearless Women,” highlighting Tajik women’s participation in agribusiness.

This book features female role models who inspire other women entrepreneurs to take advantage of the economic opportunities available in Tajikistan’s growing agribusiness sector.

These fifteen fearless women were able to not only achieve success, but also create more than 250 new jobs, boosting the economy of their region.

The idea of creating this book originated back in 2021 from the director of the USAID Agribusiness Competitiveness Project in Tajikistan, Miss Liliya Tverdun.

In December 2021, the Project team compiled a list of the most interesting and active women. In total, about forty candidates gathered. Of these, after careful research, surveys and interviews, fifteen of the most worthy were selected.

One of the women is the Executive Director of “IMKONYAT” Firuza Saidova.

Thus, the USAID ACAT Project, together with the MCF IKONIYAT, launched a loan product called “Dastras”.

The purpose of this lending product is mainly to serve more women entrepreneurs by providing a loan with a low interest rate and a grace period.

The photo book tells about dairy producers, dried fruit producers, nut processors and financial institutions.