International Women’s Day is more than a celebration—it is a call to action. Imagine a world where every woman with a dream has the financial support to bring it to life. At our securitisation fund ALTERNATIVE, we see this transformation happening every day, as women entrepreneurs break down barriers, defy expectations, and drive economic growth against all odds.

Overcoming challenges with determination

In Tajik capital of Dushanbe, Bunafsha’s passion for traditional needlework was more than just a craft—it was her dream for a better future. With skilful hands and an eye for intricate designs, she envisioned growing her small tailoring business into something greater. But when she sought financial support, doors kept closing. Without a solid credit history, most lenders refused to take a chance on her.

Just when hope was fading, she found Imon International – a portfolio company of ALTERNATIVE, one of the few financial institutions in the country, that believed in both her talent and her potential. With their support, she purchased a modern sewing machine, a game-changer that transformed her business. Now, she could take on more orders, create complex patterns with ease, and expand her clientele like never before.

The impact was immediate. Her income grew, lifting her family’s quality of life. More importantly, her success ensured better educational opportunities for her children, proving that one investment in a woman’s ambition can ripple across generations.

In Tashkent, the Uzbek capital, Dinara had always dreamed of building something of her own—a business that would not only provide for her family but also inspire other women to pursue their ambitions. In 2011, with the unwavering support of her family, she took a leap of faith and founded her own travel agency. It was not easy. At times, she doubted herself, even considering leaving Uzbekistan altogether. But her family believed in her, pushing her to stay and build her dream.

Over the years, Dinara has not only grown her business but also built a strong network of female entrepreneurs—women who support and uplift each other through shared experiences. They meet at industry events, travel together, and stand by one another in tough times, proving that unity is a powerful force in business.

But no journey is without challenges. When Dinara needed to expand, she turned to Mikro Leasing Uzbekistan, a trusted partner that provided her with the financial tools to grow. Their flexible terms and reliable service helped her scale her operations, making her agency even more competitive.

Today, Dinara is a successful businesswoman, a dedicated wife, and a mother who still makes time to drive her child to school. As she reflects on her journey, she encourages other women to dream big, take risks, and believe in themselves. “Success comes when you dare to take the first step,” she says. “Never be afraid to build something grand—because with the right support, anything is possible.”

The power of financial inclusion

Her story is just one among thousands. As of 2024, nearly 46% of ALTERNATIVE’s portfolio companies end-borrowers are women, and 44% of them are accessing credit for the first time. Many of these women have never had financial institutions believe in them—until now.

But financing is just the beginning. Through workshops on financial literacy, business planning, and savings strategies, we equip women with the knowledge and confidence to sustain and grow their businesses. The results? More women launching businesses, creating jobs, and uplifting their communities. By breaking down financial barriers, we are unlocking potential that benefits economies worldwide.