For All Women and Girls: Zhaniya Kenzhegaliyeva on challenging stereotypes and empowering young girls through technology

#ForAllWomenandGirls is a rallying call for action on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. 17-year-old schoolgirl Zhaniya Kenzhegaliyeva is one of the creators of the mobile app “Qyzbolsyn”, which is designed to support and empower young girls in Kazakhstan. On the eve of International Day of Girls in ICT, learn her success story and discover how her team tackles critical social issues and promotes STEM among girls.

Qyzbolsyn means "Let it be a girl" in Kazakh - this is a response to the name "Ulbolsyn" ("Let it be a son"), traditionally given to girls when parents expected a boy. Thus, the name of the application emphasizes the value of each girl.

The Qyzbolsyn mobile application addresses the lack of sexuality education and provides a safe space for girls to connect and seek support. It features an information hub with articles and podcasts, an AI-powered companion named Saya, and an anonymous community where girls can openly discuss their experiences. The initiative is non-commercial and aims to empower as many girls as possible by equipping them with tools for self-protection and personal growth.

The motivation behind Qyzbolsyn stems from pressing issues such as early pregnancy and a lack of personal safety awareness. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information, one in five girls aged 15-19 faces early pregnancy. Limited sexuality education and societal stigma create additional barriers for teenagers. Qyzbolsyn provides accurate, reliable information, helping girls navigate these challenges. The app also includes a guide for survivors of violence, offering resources on prevention and response.

“The idea of application derived from personal conversations within our team,” says Zhaniya Kenzhegaliyeva. “We talked about our fears, experiences, and the issues that concern us and our peers - how to find support, understand ourselves, deal with societal judgment, and feel safe. We wanted to create a space where every girl could find honest answers and encouragement instead of facing criticism or misunderstanding. That’s how the idea of a ‘pocket older sister’ - a smart, always-available companion came to life.”

During the app’s development, Zhaniya and the team conducted a survey of 120 girls to ensure its relevance. The findings highlighted major concerns such as fear of self-expression, lack of a trusted confidant, and the stigma around girls’ safety issues in Kazakhstan.

Qyzbolsyn offers articles and podcasts covering safety, health, relationships, and self-development—everything a modern girl needs to know about herself and her well-being. The content undergoes strict fact-checking and is available in three languages – Kazakh, Russian, and English. The team recognizes the lack of Kazakh-language resources and is actively working to enhance content accessibility for Kazakh-speaking users.

The app also features a safe and anonymous community where girls can ask personal questions and receive support. Strict moderation and restrictions on direct messaging protect users from potential threats.

Saya, an interactive AI-powered friend, offers support, advice, and positive affirmations like "You’ve got this, sunshine!". Conversations with Saya feel more like chatting with a peer than interacting with a conventional chatbot. In just a few months, over 4,000 users have joined the platform.

“Our first users’ support is invaluable—it’s their positive feedback that motivates us to keep developing the project,” says Zhaniya. “We’re also incredibly proud of our team of 70 volunteers, who write articles and create Instagram content. We’ve built a community where girls can share ideas and work on projects they love.”

The team earned first place in three national competitions, securing two million tenge (4000$) in prize funds, which helped grow the project. They also became semi-finalists of the global “Technovation” competition among 3,200 startups.

“We believe in the power of technology to promote gender equality,” says Zhaniya. “Social media has allowed girls to create communities, share ideas, and raise awareness of important issues. This benefits not just girls but also boys, helping to ensure that gender violence and inequality are openly discussed. 

According to Zhaniya, Qyzbolsyn supports the goals the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, providing a safe space for education and empowerment while focusing on gender equality and women’s rights. “It’s crucial that every girl can openly discuss her health, safety, and personal experiences,” she emphasizes. “Breaking stereotypes and creating accessible, safe resources is key. In the 21st century, information is the most powerful tool—we want to use it to prevent social tragedies in the future.”

The Qyzbolsyn team continues expanding its reach, with upcoming plans including a Play Market launch, podcasts with Kazakh women sharing their experiences, and collaborations with media and experts to elevate discussions around gender equality.

A major initiative in the works is Kazakhstan’s first-ever STEM Olympiad for girls, designed to encourage over 1,000 young women to explore science and technology, overcome gender barriers, and pursue careers in STEM.

“Our project encourages girls to keep pushing forward. Sometimes the first attempt doesn’t bring success, but believing in yourself is key. Not every idea works right away, but taking chances and trying new things is what drives change”, says Zhaniya.

The team is committed to creating a more equal future and is confident that positive social change will follow through initiatives like theirs.