DIANA

ERASMUS+ /KA2/ CBHE 101237740 DIANA“Empowering Women through the Development and Implementation of Rural Tourism Entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan”

Implementation period: 2025–2028

Grant amount: EUR 52389

Project objective:
To empower women in rural areas of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan by developing and implementing entrepreneurship in rural tourism through capacity building in higher education institutions, tailored educational courses, and cooperation between universities and local communities.

Partners:

• Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University (Kazakhstan)
• Universidade Portucalense (Portugal)
• Hochschule Wismar – University of Applied Sciences: Technology, Business and Design (Germany)
• Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University (Kazakhstan)
• D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University (Kazakhstan)
• Kazakh Academy of Sport and Tourism (Kazakhstan)
• International Agricultural University (Uzbekistan)
• International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage “Silk Road” (Uzbekistan)
• Nukus State Technical University (Uzbekistan)
• Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Akmola Region (Kazakhstan)
• Republican Center for Socio-Economic Development “SABR” (Uzbekistan)

Expected results:

1. Development of the course “Entrepreneurship in Rural Tourism” (4 modules, 5 ECTS) and its integration into the educational programs of partner universities.
2. Preparation of a roadmap for improving educational programs and a guideline for supporting women in rural areas.
3. Training of at least 140 students (Bachelor’s and Master’s levels) and 280 women from rural regions, ensuring gender balance (at least 50% women, including ≥20% women in vulnerable situations).
4. Development of at least 70 entrepreneurial projects (10 per university) addressing rural market needs and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
5. Support for students and women through entrepreneurship centers.
6. Presentation of the 7 best projects at an international conference in Samarkand.