Uzbekistan, a land of timeless heritage and vibrant spirit, is situated at the heart of Central Asia. This ancient cradle of civilization on has produced some of the world's most brilliant minds - poets, scientists, schoolars, andreformers- who left lasting imprints on humanity. Today, Uzbekistan is once again writing a new chapterof history, one that prioritizes the empowerment of women and girls, equipping them with education, leadership skills, and a global voice.
One of the brightest reflections of this modern vision is Shokhida Yusupova, a young Uzbek woman whose work has inspered tens of thousand of girl and brought pride to her country on the international stage.
Born in Qalandardurmon, a quiet village in Yangibozor district, Shokhida taught herself four languages, pursued international opportunities without sponsorship, and eventually became a changemaker for other. She is a Zulfiya State Prize laureate, a graduate of Harvard University's course "Leadership: Creating Public Value," and a winner of international competitions hosted by Oxford University and the UK House of Lords. Currently, she is pursuing her Master's degree in International Cultural Diplomacy at the University of Siena in Italy.
She is the founder of a travel company, speaks four longuages fluently, and actively collaborates with more than 30 international organizations, where she continuously advocates for the interests of Uzbek youth.
In 2019, during a student conference in Turkey, a casual remark by a shopkeeper triggered a turning point in her life. When she proudly said she was from Uzbekistan, the shopkeeper assked, "Did you come here to work?" This question reflected a stereitype that deeply hurt her - that Uzbek women were only seen abroad as laborers, not learners or leaders. That moment became her fuel to prove the strengh, intelligence, and dignity of Uzbek women were only seen abroad as laborers, not learners or leaders. That moment became her fuel to prove the strength, intelligence, and dignity of Uzbek women to the world.
In 2021, she launched an international literary anthology in Turkey, showcasing the works and stories of 50 talented Uzbek women. The project was widely acclaimed and embraced by the Turkish community.
In 2022, Shokhida founded the Shine Girls Academy - a registered organization that offers educational and leadarship programs to women across Uzbekistan. Over 50,000 women and girls have benefited from its courses, mentorship, and events. Her academy provides affordable English and Turkish language courses, designed for underserved groups such as orphans and lowincome families. Many student have achieved C1 proficiency levels and womglobal grants and scholarships.
By the age of 24,she had traveled to over 30 countries, gifted a car to her father, sent her mother on international trips, and even porchased a home in Dubai. Yet, she remains grounded in her mission: to be a source of light for who are just beginning their journey.
Her projects - from "Hopeful Blossoms of Uzbwkistan" in Turkey, to "Talented Girls" in Azerbaijan, " Voices of Inspiration" in Egypt, and the "Uzbek Song" published on Amazon - are testaments to her commitment to reperesenting the strangth and beauty of Uzbek women globally.
Today, she continues to speak on international media platforms about Uzbekistan's history, reforms, and the evolving role of women. Every speech, book, and initiative is a step toward shaping the image of New Uzbekistan in the world.
For Shokhida, this in not a personal journey alone - it is a national mission. Her dream is to ignite hope in the eyes of hundreds of thousands of girls and help them turn that hope into lasting change.
"With trust, care, and belief, every woman can become a blooming garden. I was trusted - and now I carry that trust in my heart and show the world what an Uzbek girl can be when she is educated, supported, and unafraid. Every project, every speech, every international step I take - it is all for the image of our beloved Uzbekistan,"she says.
Uzbekistan, a land of timeless heritage and vibrant spirit, is situated at the heart of Central Asia. This ancient cradle of civilization on has produced some of the world's most brilliant minds - poets, scientists, schoolars, andreformers- who left lasting imprints on humanity. Today, Uzbekistan is once again writing a new chapterof history, one that prioritizes the empowerment of women and girls, equipping them with education, leadership skills, and a global voice.One of the brightest reflections of this modern vision is Shokhida Yusupova, a young Uzbek woman whose work has inspered tens of thousand of girl and brought pride to her country on the international stage.Born in Qalandardurmon, a quiet village in Yangibozor district, Shokhida taught herself four languages, pursued international opportunities without sponsorship, and eventually became a changemaker for other. She is a Zulfiya State Prize laureate, a graduate of Harvard University's course "Leadership: Creating Public Value," and a winner of international competitions hosted by Oxford University and the UK House of Lords. Currently, she is pursuing her Master's degree in International Cultural Diplomacy at the University of Siena in Italy.
She is the founder of a travel company, speaks four longuages fluently, and actively collaborates with more than 30 international organizations, where she continuously advocates for the interests of Uzbek youth.In 2019, during a student conference in Turkey, a casual remark by a shopkeeper triggered a turning point in her life. When she proudly said she was from Uzbekistan, the shopkeeper assked, "Did you come here to work?" This question reflected a stereitype that deeply hurt her - that Uzbek women were only seen abroad as laborers, not learners or leaders. That moment became her fuel to prove the strengh, intelligence, and dignity of Uzbek women were only seen abroad as laborers, not learners or leaders. That moment became her fuel to prove the strength, intelligence, and dignity of Uzbek women to the world.In 2021, she launched an international literary anthology in Turkey, showcasing the works and stories of 50 talented Uzbek women. The project was widely acclaimed and embraced by the Turkish community.In 2022, Shokhida founded the Shine Girls Academy - a registered organization that offers educational and leadarship programs to women across Uzbekistan. Over 50,000 women and girls have benefited from its courses, mentorship, and events. Her academy provides affordable English and Turkish language courses, designed for underserved groups such as orphans and lowincome families. Many student have achieved C1 proficiency levels and womglobal grants and scholarships.
By the age of 24,she had traveled to over 30 countries, gifted a car to her father, sent her mother on international trips, and even porchased a home in Dubai. Yet, she remains grounded in her mission: to be a source of light for who are just beginning their journey.Her projects - from "Hopeful Blossoms of Uzbwkistan" in Turkey, to "Talented Girls" in Azerbaijan, " Voices of Inspiration" in Egypt, and the "Uzbek Song" published on Amazon - are testaments to her commitment to reperesenting the strangth and beauty of Uzbek women globally.Today, she continues to speak on international media platforms about Uzbekistan's history, reforms, and the evolving role of women. Every speech, book, and initiative is a step toward shaping the image of New Uzbekistan in the world.For Shokhida, this in not a personal journey alone - it is a national mission. Her dream is to ignite hope in the eyes of hundreds of thousands of girls and help them turn that hope into lasting change."With trust, care, and belief, every woman can become a blooming garden. I was trusted - and now I carry that trust in my heart and show the world what an Uzbek girl can be when she is educated, supported, and unafraid. Every project, every speech, every international step I take - it is all for the image of our beloved Uzbekistan,"she says.