Empowering Women through the Development and Implementation of Rural Tourism Entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan (DIANA)

The DIANA Project (Erasmus+ CBHE) is an international initiative aimed at «Empowering Women through the Development and Implementation of Rural Tourism Entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan». The project is co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) programme and runs for 36 months (2025-2028).

The main goal of the project is to strengthen women’s economic participation by providing them with knowledge, practical skills, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the field of rural tourism. DIANA focuses on promoting sustainable tourism development, preserving local cultural heritage, and creating innovative tourism products in rural areas.

Within the framework of the project, partner universities will develop educational modules, organize training sessions, workshops, and pilot initiatives to support women entrepreneurs in rural communities. Special attention is given to innovation, digitalization, and sustainable business models in tourism.

The DIANA Project serves as an important platform for fostering international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and social innovation, contributing to regional development and women’s empowerment in Central Asia.

Coordinated by: Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University (Kazakhstan)

Duration: 2025 - 2028 (36 months)

Overall budget: 358 010,00 €

Objective

By developing the entrepreneurial skills of self-employed rural women by strengthening their digital literacy, DIANA supports the Green Economy by modernizing the economies of Central Asia countries, making them more competitive and innovative. Sustained growth and jobs are provided by linking education and business more closely with the needs of the private sector in the agro-ecotourism industry.
Project partners

EU partners:

  • Universidade Portucalense Infante D. Henrique (Portugal)
  • Hochschule Wismar University of Applied Sciences: Technology, Business and Design (Germany)

 

Central Asia partners:

Kazakhstan:

  • Ualikhanov Kokshetau University
  • Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University
  • North Kazakhstan State University named after Manash Kozybayev
  • Kazakh Academy of Sport and Tourism
  • Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Akmola Region

Uzbekistan:

  • International Agricultural University
  • Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage
  • Nukus State Technical University
  • SABR Republican Center for Socio-Economic Development
Expected Outcomes

 

  1. Enhanced institutional capacity

    Seven partner universities will strengthen their capacity by establishing or modernising 7 entrepreneurship centres, training 128 academic staff, and introducing innovative teaching approaches.

  2. Improved entrepreneurial competencies

    7 new courses, 14 updated courses, and 14 modernised study programmes will provide entrepreneurship education to at least 150 students and 90 rural women.

  3. Stronger university–community cooperation

    All 7 partner universities will strengthen cooperation with rural communities by engaging students and women in joint entrepreneurship projects and local initiatives.

  4. Increased graduate employability

    Entrepreneurship and practice-oriented learning will be integrated into 14 study programmes, improving the employability and entrepreneurial mindset of graduates.

  5. Women's empowerment

    At least 90 rural women will gain entrepreneurial knowledge, mentoring, and practical experience to develop sustainable rural tourism businesses.

  6. Education aligned with labour market needs

    New and updated curricula will strengthen the relevance of higher education by responding to the needs of the rural tourism sector and regional labour markets.

  7. Sustainable regional cooperation

    A sustainable international network involving 7 partner universities and associated stakeholders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Portugal, and Germany will support long-term cooperation and knowledge exchange.

 

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Date of last changes:
07.09.2026