Page 34 - DIVA 2 2025 web

Divas for Diva is generously led for the magazine by Radiona Nikova, the
spouse of Ambassador Yuri Sterk, Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to

the UN at Geneva

Interview with

Mrs. Aktoty

KoXeGenoVA

Spouse of the Ambassador Yerlan Alimbayev,

Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the
UNOG-Geneva

We are meeting during the celebration of one of traditions like greeting relatives, charity, cultural
the most fascinating holidays in your country, heritage, family values, national clothing,
Nowruz. It’s evident that cultural diplomacy environmental care, sports, unity, and renewal.
plays a signi cant role here in international e nal day is marked by a nationwide
Geneva, and you dedicate substantial personal environmental campaign, symbolizing new
e ort to this endeavor. Could you share with us beginnings. Another signi cant feature is
the key aspects of Nowruz celebrations in your Nauryzkozhe, a special soup that is prepared
country? only once a year. Made with seven or nine
Across di erent cultures, ancient civilizations locally sourced ingredients, including water,
have held a profound wisdom regarding their dairy products, salt, grains, meat, oil, and dough,
connection with nature. ey lived in harmony this dish represents a deep respect for nature. Its
with the natural world, understanding its rhythms slightly sour taste is believed to nourish both the
and seasonal changes. People developed customs, body and spirit.
traditions, and beliefs that were shaped by their
environment. One such tradition is Nowruz, Could you tell us about the role of women
as we call it in Kazakh “Nauryz “, celebrated as in Kazakhstan’s traditional culture, as well
the beginning of the new year in spring. As the as in modern society today? What are the
Earth awakens and nature ourishes, the world main challenges women currently face in
is lled with light and renewal. e rst month Kazakhstan?
of spring is named Nauryz. Kazakh women have long been celebrated
for their independence, free-thinking, and
ough Nauryz is observed in many neighboring ambition. e nomadic lifestyle shaped a resilient
countries, it has unique cultural signi cance in character, where women could take decisive
Kazakhstan. ere are three key aspects that set action-such as mounting a horse to protect their
it apart: Kazakhstan, the ninth-largest country families in the absence of men. is harsh yet
in the world, is the land of diverse landscapes. empowering environment forged their strength
In March, fruit trees bloom in the south, while and determination. At the same time, Kazakh
snow still covers the north. As a result, Nauryz women remain deeply connected to family and
festivities adapt to regional climates and can tradition. ey aspire to be devoted wives and
extend into April. mothers while pursuing personal ambitions and
professional careers. In nding the right balance,
A ten-day celebration called Nauryznama they embody both cultural heritage and modern
honors the holiday. During this period, each aspirations. Currently, in Kazakhstan women
day is dedicated to a speci c theme, promoting hold over 43% of managerial positions in the

w w w. d i va i n t e r n at i o n a l . c h