The Development Bank of Kazakhstan is launching a special series of materials dedicated to the Year of Working Professions. This section will feature stories of employees from factories supported by DBK.
In honor of International Women's Day, the spotlight is on the female workers of the Makinsk poultry farm. What is it like to be a woman in the industry? The hardworking women of the factory share their stories in our feature.
Behind every familiar part of our daily lives – food on the table, quality goods, and convenient services – is someone's hard work. Often, this work is done by women. Today, Kazakhstani women are engaged in nearly every sector of the economy: from industry to agriculture, from science to business. Their contribution is invaluable and continues to grow.
According to the latest data from the Bureau of National Statistics, 48.18% of Kazakhstan's employed population are women. Although traditionally "male-dominated" sectors like agriculture and industry are still led by men, women are increasingly entering these fields, narrowing the gender gap year by year.
On the eve of International Women's Day, it is essential to remember that women's contributions to the economy are not just numbers in statistics but a powerful driving force essential for the full development of society.
Svetlana Afonchenko, a poultry specialist at Makinsk poultry farm LLP, believes that working conditions for women at production sites do not differentiate between male and female roles.
"There are certainly challenges in the job, but when you see the results of your work, it brings joy. It’s gratifying to watch tiny fluffy chicks grow into chickens that eventually feed people. It’s fascinating to observe this process," she shares.
Beyond work, Svetlana has many other responsibilities. She loves cooking and treating her family to something delicious on weekends. She says her family is caring and understanding.
"When I come home from work, even on weekends, my family tries to take on most of the household chores to help me out, making it easier to balance work and home life," she notes.
Svetlana’s biggest inspiration is her children, for whom she strives to create a better future. Her parents, who dedicated their lives to agriculture, have also been role models. Thanks to them, she has understood the value of hard work from an early age.
"Women have always played a major role in production. In the past, they were primarily associated with homemaking and ‘women’s’ professions. Now, they have moved forward – taking leadership positions and making important global decisions," she believes.
Svetlana is confident that the key to success in the industry is persistence and a willingness to learn. She believes there’s no need to fear challenges, as newcomers are always supported and guided at the factory.
"Balancing a career and family is absolutely possible. The most essential thing is to have the desire. If you have loved ones who are ready to support you, it makes the task even easier. Every woman can find a balance between work and family if she truly wants to," Svetlana Afonchenko asserts.
Bakhyt Bekbulatova is responsible for one of the most critical tasks at Makinsk poultry farm LLP – ensuring the careful and safe capture of birds, placing them in containers for further transportation.
"Makinsk is home to one of the largest poultry farms in Central Asia, and I was amazed by its scale. But what impressed me most was that hard work is truly valued here: salaries are higher than in other places, and the schedule is convenient. I have never regretted my decision to work here," she shares her impressions.
She believes that the difficulty of a job largely depends on the individual. "As the saying goes, if you love what you do, it never feels like work – and that’s exactly how I feel about my job."
"Even my fatigue is pleasant. I always put my heart into my work, so any challenge becomes an interesting task. I also get along well with my colleagues," says Bakhyt Bekbulatova.
Outside of work, she takes care of household chores and helps her family. She notes that the factory’s convenient work schedule allows her to balance professional and personal life seamlessly.
According to Bakhyt, it has become much easier for women to work in the industry today. Automation and modern technology have reduced physical labor and made the job more comfortable, enabling women to unleash their full potential. She believes that in any field, it’s important not to be afraid of taking initiative, to be determined, and to strive for professional growth.
"Don’t be afraid of difficult tasks – every job can be mastered over time. Also, don’t let stereotypes influence your career. Believe in yourself and don’t doubt your choices," she advises young women.
Like Bakhyt Bekbulatova, Oksana Ivanova has found her calling in the industry. She believes that the key to her job is strictly following safety regulations, staying attentive, and being responsible – not just for herself but for her colleagues as well.
"Thousands of birds are housed in the facilities and bases, and it’s crucial that they are not harmed or injured during the process. That’s why I believe women’s work here is very important. Women are naturally more meticulous and careful, which helps minimize stress and injuries for the birds," explains Oksana Ivanova.
She admits that she doesn’t notice the difficulties because she loves her job. After work, she says she gets a "second wind" and easily transitions to home duties. Her family supports her, understanding that her work is demanding.
"What inspires me most is my team. I’m especially grateful to my mentors who taught me how to work with the machinery. At first, it was intimidating – the equipment is big and complex. But thanks to my trainers, I now work confidently, without fear. When you have a friendly and supportive team, the job becomes easier and more coordinated," says Oksana Ivanova.
She believes that qualities like responsiveness, diligence, understanding, honesty, and kindness are especially valuable in her work. To succeed, one must be persistent, hardworking, and goal oriented. "If you set a goal and work hard to achieve it, success is inevitable," she says.
"I would advise young women not to be afraid but to aspire, try, and act. The most important thing is to love what you do. If your work brings you joy, everything falls into place, and challenges no longer seem insurmountable," concludes Oksana Ivanova.
The Development Bank of Kazakhstan (part of the Baiterek Holding) actively supports agriculture and the food industry, including Makinsk poultry farm LLP – one of the largest investment projects in the Akmola region.
The construction of the poultry farm began in 2015 in the Bulandy district, with the Bank’s participation amounting to 1629.5 billion tenge. The enterprise produces chilled poultry meat under the "Kus&Vkus" brand. To date, the poultry farm has created 19,750 jobs, replacing poultry meat imports and contributing to the development of agriculture in the region. After its expansion, the factory became the largest producer of chicken meat in Central Asia.
Happy International Women's Day to all the wonderful women of our country!
