For centuries, women in nomadic societies rode horses, pitched tents, managed households, raised children and created intricate crafts – yet their contributions have long been overlooked. Historical records and cultural institutions primarily spotlight male leaders and artists, leaving women’s stories largely untold.

The University of Central Asia’s Cultural Heritage and Humanities Unit (CHHU) is working to change that. CHHU Research Fellow Altyn Kapalova leads two major initiatives: the Central Asian Museum Development Programme, which fosters gender inclusivity in museums, and the Kurak Project, which celebrates women’s textile art.

Central Asian Museum Development Programme

Through grants and training, the Central Asian Museum Development Programme helps museum professionals integrate women’s narratives into exhibitions and historical archives.

“When you walk into a museum today, the dominant narrative is male. This is not only a challenge in Kyrgyzstan but in museums around the world,” says Kapalova. “Through our efforts, we have helped museum professionals become more gender-sensitive and restore women’s creative work.”

One museum, for example, revived the history of female cotton workers, recognising their role in shaping the country’s economic and social landscape. “Whether a woman is an activist, an artist, or a homemaker, she needs to see herself reflected in history. These stories are not just about the past; they provide a foundation for women today,” she explains.

Beyond institutional challenges, another key obstacle is self-doubt, as many women hesitate to display their work, believing they are “not good enough”. Overcoming years of societal pressure and internalised limitations is difficult, but Kapalova stresses that when women come together, the burden feels lighter.

Challenging traditional narratives in museum spaces has not been easy. “It is difficult to walk into a patriarchal institution and introduce a gender-sensitive project because everything resists it including the system, the staff. But we are returning history to the women to whom it rightfully belongs,” she says.

Through her work in museums, art and cultural heritage, Kapalova continues to create spaces where women’s voices are heard, their talents recognised and their histories preserved for future generations.

Kurak: A collective memory

In Kyrgyzstan, Kurak is more than just a traditional patchwork quilting technique – it is an artistic tradition passed down through generations, carrying stories of resilience, creativity and identity. “Our grandmothers and great-grandmothers made Kurak a part of daily life. Today, professional artists continue this tradition,” says Kapalova.

Despite its centuries-old history, Kurak has remained largely absent from mainstream art spaces. This exhibition aims to change that by showcasing historic Kurak pieces alongside contemporary works. “We named this exhibition Kurak: The Interwoven Stories of Women because it reflects the past, the present and the solidarity that has connected women across generations,” explains Kapalova.

The G. Aitiev Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts is exhibiting Kurak pieces from its collection, alongside works by contemporary textile artists. While preserving traditional techniques, these artists are introducing new forms and interpretations that explore social and personal themes. The exhibition bridges past and present, highlighting how tradition continues to evolve through modern artistic expression.

Beyond highlighting Kurak in Kyrgyzstan, this initiative seeks to secure its recognition on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, ensuring its preservation and increasing its global visibility. “Many UNESCO heritage listings highlight male-dominated traditions. We want Kurak to be recognised as a women’s artistic tradition, ensuring that Kyrgyz women’s contributions are represented on the global stage,” Kapalova emphasises.

Kurak is more than an art form – it is a testament to the creativity and resilience of Kyrgyz women. By preserving this tradition while encouraging new artistic expressions, the exhibition ensures their stories are shared and celebrated for generations to come.