Aynura Erejepbaeva

Aynura Erejepbaeva learned the intricate art of Karakalpak embroidery from her grandmother. The process was initially frustrating for her, but she eventually saw the beauty and value in their creations. These embroidery sessions, held in their yurt, were not just about creating art but also about preserving cultural heritage and discussing the lives of their Karakalpak ancestors. Despite societal pressures to balance academics with traditional roles, Aynura found a way to integrate modern designs with traditional motifs, which her grandmother appreciated.

In Taiwan, Aynura wore her embroidered red Karakalpak clothing proudly, sparking interest and admiration. This experience boosted her confidence and led her to use her embroidery skills to support community causes, such as fundraising for the endangered saiga antelopes. This act showed her the potential of using her talents for positive change.

Academically she has excelled at Shumanay Specialized School, particularly in the exact sciences track and her academic achievements are emphasised by her acceptance into the highly competitive Pioneer Academics Research Program, where she wrote a research paper on gender inequality in Uzbekistan’s higher education system, highlighting societal expectations that limit girls to certain careers and proposed policy alternatives to encourage more women in STEM fields.

Aynura's commitment to empowering young girls led her to create the LadyUp STEM School club, turned non-profit organization, offering STEM, programming, and leadership classes to girls in her village and beyond. Despite funding and resources pressures, the project has grown significantly, now connecting girls from different countries and receiving international recognition and support.

Environmental activism has seen her participate in Project Amu Darya, which investigates the causes and consequences of the Aral Sea crisis. She represented the youth of Karakalpakstan, discussing gender roles, cultural erosion, and barriers to engagement with the crisis. Additionally, involvement in TechGirls 2021 inspired her to further develop LadyUp School to grow its reach and impact.

Aynura has also faced significant challenges, such as the forced labour practices in Uzbekistan, which she saw her mother experience in the cotton fields. These injustices fuelling her determination to speak out and demand change, despite the risks and initial feelings of helplessness she kept inside.

Her determination to preserve Karakalpak culture can be seen in her proficiency in traditional embroidery efforts and sharing this skill through social media and her YouTube channel, using these platforms to highlight the importance of cultural practices and foster a sense of global citizenship among her peers. Her work with international organizations, including arranging meetings with Oxford students and volunteering for the World Aral Region Charity, demonstrates a real commitment to global issues. She has raised funds for local projects and her ambition is to continue highlighting gender inequalities and climate change in her future studies and initiatives, using her talents and experiences to create positive change.