Celebratory events organized in the Balkan velayat in honor of the year “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses” and on the eve of International Women’s Day are distinguished by their originality and strong sense of purpose. One such competition was recently held at the “Bagt köşgi” Celebration Center in Balkanabat.

The regional stage of the “Woman of the Year” competition, announced by the Central Council of the Women’s Union of Turkmenistan, brought together winners from the etraps and cities of the region. The competition consisted of eight nominations. Its objectives were to study and support women’s initiatives and to promote the exemplary achievements of our country.

In accordance with the competition rules, the participants demonstrated their abilities, skills, and talents. Beautiful and expressive recitations of poetry, as well as lively performances of dessans (gazals), left the audience with unforgettable and pleasant impressions.

According to the results of the competition, the following participants were awarded honorary titles: Guljemal Soltanova, Director of the Children and Youth Creativity Center of Balkanabat (“Businesswoman of the Year”); Tazegul Yaylymova, Head of a club at the Children and Youth Creativity Center of Turkmenbashi (“Craftswoman of the Year”); Sapargul Hallymammedova, teacher at the Velayat Specialized School of Arts (“Active Arts Figure of the Year”); Myazem Garlyeva, teacher at Secondary School No. 1 of Magtymguly etrap (“Kind-Hearted Woman of the Year”); M. Garabegova, Senior Investigator of the Police Department of Turkmenbashi etrap (“Patriotic Woman of the Year”); Togta Shykhyeva, Head of Kindergarten No. 8 of Bereket etrap (“Leading Rural Woman of the Year”); Bahar Berdiyeva, entrepreneur from the settlement of Hazar (“Woman Entrepreneur of the Year”); and Gulsenem Garaeva, teacher at Secondary School No. 29 of Gyzylarbat etrap (“Woman Mentor of the Year”). All of them earned the right to participate in the final national stage of the “Woman of the Year” competition.

The winners and all participants of the creative contest were solemnly presented with special gifts.