Celebrating Kyrgyzstan’s Hidden Shero

What does it mean to make a difference? For Munara Omuralieva, it means creating opportunities for young people, regardless of where they are born.

Munara, an education specialist and valued partner of the Economic Fundamentals Initiative (EFI) in Kyrgyzstan, has been selected as one of 80 women across Central Asia featured in Hidden Shero, a social initiative by BeWoman Asia recognising women whose contributions are making a meaningful difference in their communities.

Among those recognised are 15 women from Kyrgyzstan. For Munara, who has dedicated much of her career to expanding educational opportunities, particularly in rural communities, the recognition came as a wonderful surprise.

“I felt genuinely surprised and deeply honored when I heard the news. We often work without expecting recognition, focusing instead on the people we serve and the changes we hope to make.”

She added: “Even work done quietly, behind the scenes, can make a real difference in people’s lives.”

A Journey That Began in a Small Village

Munara grew up in At-Bashy, a small village in Kyrgyzstan. Her experiences shaped a belief that continues to guide her work today: a child’s birthplace should never limit their ambitions.

In 2003, participating in the FLEX international exchange programme proved to be a turning point.

“It broadened my horizons and helped me believe that coming from a small village did not mean I had to limit my dreams.”

Her journey subsequently took her to the American University of Central Asia and Central European University in Hungary, before returning to teaching and developing educational initiatives in Kyrgyzstan.

Today, through her work at the University of Central Asia (UCA), Munara coordinates the Economics Olympiad and economic literacy initiatives, helping young people discover their abilities and explore opportunities they might not otherwise have considered.

“I want to pass on what I received: the chance to learn, explore the world, and believe in a bigger future.”

Opening Doors Through Education

Munara’s commitment to educational opportunity is reflected in the growth of the Economics Olympiad, delivered in Kyrgyzstan through UCA’s partnership with EFI.

In 2026, more than 12,000 students from 450 schools across the country participated in the competition. Five students went on to represent Kyrgyzstan at the International Final Round of the Economics Olympiad in Ancient Olympia, Greece, where the team celebrated a bronze medal.

Munara is equally proud of initiatives supporting rural schools. Through a separate project involving UCA and Bilimland, 120 teachers from 48 rural Kyrgyz-language schools in the Talas region received professional training.

Following the project, the number of students in the region scoring above 200 points on the National Scholarship Test increased from 20 to 63.

“For me, these figures represent much more than examination results. They reflect teachers who gained new methods, students who received additional preparation, and families whose children gained a better chance of entering university.”

For Munara, these achievements demonstrate what becomes possible when teachers, students and communities receive sustained support.

Making a Difference, Even Away From the Spotlight

Looking ahead, Munara hopes to continue narrowing the gap between urban and rural educational opportunities, strengthening economic and financial literacy, and supporting teachers in underserved communities.

Her ambitions extend beyond reaching more students. She wants to help create lasting educational environments where young people have the confidence, knowledge and support to pursue their aspirations.

And her message to other women hoping to make a difference is especially fitting for the spirit of Hidden Shero:

“You do not have to be famous or work in the spotlight to make a difference. Much of the work that changes people’s lives happens quietly, through persistence, responsibility, and care.”

For young people growing up in rural communities, her message is equally powerful:

“Never assume that your birthplace determines your future.”

Reflecting on Munara’s achievements and the wider impact of her work, EFI’s CEO and President, Kesiah Nuttall-Crola, said:

“Human flourishing begins when people have the knowledge, confidence and opportunity to shape their own futures. Munara’s work shows how one committed educator can open doors for thousands of young people — creating an impact that reaches far beyond the classroom and into families, communities and future generations. EFI is immensely proud of Munara and the significant impact of her work.”

Munara’s full story is featured in BeWoman Asia’s Hidden Shero publication.

Read an English translation of Munara’s Hidden Shero profile here.

Ultimately, Munara’s own words capture the spirit of her work and the lasting difference she hopes to make.

As she puts it:

“The real value of success lies not only in how far we go ourselves, but also in how many others we help move forward.”