Life in the Regions: Nasiba Topchieva from Batken Mastered a Profession Considered Predominantly Male

Наталья Маркова Social Portal
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In the Batken region, in the village of Chon-Talaa, lives a talented seamstress and sewing machine repair specialist, Nasiba Topchieva. She began her career as a seamstress but soon faced a problem: the constant need for a technician to repair equipment prevented her from focusing on her work. This situation prompted her to decide to undergo training in the capital, and since then, she has been successfully engaged in this craft for six years.

With the increasing number of seamstresses and the growing demand for sewing machines, Nasiba began not only to repair but also to sell new devices. "On average, I sell one sewing machine a day and repair up to three. My clients come even from the Leilek and Kadamjai districts. For each sold machine, I provide a two-year warranty during which any breakdowns are fixed for free," she shares. The woman also needs to regularly update her knowledge to stay informed about new models on the market.

However, despite her success, the work is not without difficulties. "The weight of a sewing machine can reach twenty kilograms, and I have to lift and move them during repairs, which is quite physically challenging. Additionally, establishing contact with clients is becoming increasingly difficult," Topchieva adds.

After mastering the sewing craft, she began training other women. "I have been repairing machines for six or seven years. I used to be a seamstress, and now I teach girls this trade. Interestingly, my mother was also a seamstress but did not understand the technology. At first, many were surprised, as this field is mainly dominated by men, but I am pleased that female clients feel comfortable communicating with me," Nasiba recounts. She mentions that she orders spare parts from the Kara-Suu market or in Bishkek.

Nasiba is not only a successful businesswoman but also a caring mother of six children — three daughters and three sons. She has been awarded the "Ene Danky" (Mother's Glory) medal for her achievements.
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