AKIPRESS.COM - The first in a series of five OSCE-supported training seminars for women entrepreneurs working in the field of “green” technology began May 4 in Arnasai village, Kazakhstan, with the aim of building their capacity in the sphere of effective horticulture, by taking into account modern energy and water-saving practices, OSCE said in a release.

The event was co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana with the Coalition for Green Economy and G-Global Development for some 20 participants from Karaganda region’s rural areas. The invited experts demonstrated the latest developments in the field of drip irrigation, solar greenhouses and vermicultivation (composting with worms) and emphasized the importance of applying green technologies in rural communities.

“We aim to increase the capacity of women entrepreneurs of the Karaganda region in opening and running their own businesses in rural areas through the use of ‘green’ technologies,” said Rati Japaridze, Economic and Environmental Officer at the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “The OSCE attaches great importance to supporting entrepreneurship among women in rural areas, and the development of green growth, as it is the basis for sustainable economic development."

Saltanat Rakhimbekova, Chairperson of the Board of the Coalition for Green Economy and G-Global Development said: "We prioritize support for women's entrepreneurship and green growth. This is one of many events we will be conducting to train stakeholders on best practices at our demonstration facility on conducting ‘green’ business."

Follow-up seminars will take place at the Arnasai facility during the next four months for women living in rural areas of Karaganda and Akmola regions. The event is part of the Programme Office’s long-standing efforts to promote green growth and sustainable development and to support gender mainstreaming.