The business women’s association of Uzbekistan: A qualitative study of the emergence and potential influence of women’s leadership in central Asia

Abstract

This phenomenological study used the first five steps of a modified van Kaam method by Moustakas in conjunction with semi-structured interviews to explore the lived experiences of a sample of front line leaders of the Business Women’s Association of Uzbekistan (Tadbikor Ayol) that operates in an environment hostile to women in general and to businesswomen specifically. The association, founded in 1991 continues to develop and mentor the women entrepreneurs of Uzbekistan. Discovering the factors that influence the viability and sustainability of the BWA as it continues to operate in a challenging cultural and political environment and the applicability of the factors to Central Asia was the focus of this study. The results of the research identified five themes: 1) leadership style; 2) seminars and skill building activities; 3) peer and family relationships; 4) financial support; and 5) government relations.