International Women’s Day will occur on Saturday, March 8.
Last year, Kazakhstan saw a surge in flower imports just before the noted date, as people offered bouquets as a way to mark the day..
However, the meaning behind International Women’s Day is much more than tulips and lilies. It has been celebrated since 1911 and continues to promote women’s equality and women’s achievements. The official theme for 2025 is Accelerate Action toward gender equality.
The KIMEP Voice asked men around campus what women inspired, guided, and helped them through their lives.
Yeskendir Saudanbek’s teacher would share books with the young grade-schooler and pushed him to compete in many different things. He credits her with helping excel at KIMEP University where he studies International Relations.
Prof. Cole Russing said his daughter continues to inspire him through her grit and determination.
Aidiyar Dastanov said his grandmother is the most influential woman he knows. She raised him and taught him the value of kindness and honesty.
Indeed, women around the globe will continue to accelerate toward equality and, hopefully, soon, they will achieve that recognition every day, and not just one day in March.
Ayaz Talantuli, Professor. Photo by Jasmina Ilyasova.
“My mom is the person who has influenced me. She is like my best friend, and I talk to her every day. She motivates me to be friendly, positive, supportive and never submit in difficult times. If I am busy, I think about how my mom would handle the situation. She has great wisdom and always offers a different perspective on any issue or problem. When I was in university, I was stressed out about failing a class, but she reminded me that tests and scores are not a reflection of who you are as a person and supported me in moving forward.
She is a definition of my values like being kind, caring for others, and staying motivated. There were times when people were rude or aggressive, and her instant reaction would be, “Okay, maybe this person had a bad day”. Step back, calm yourself, and understand that people may have reasons for it.
Mom, I love you, I miss you, your cooking, and the time we spent together. I hope I can travel to the U.S. and see you soon.”
Bauyrzhan Bagdali, marketing student.
“I have a cousin, Shakhnoza. She is special in my life because we grew up together arguing and fighting as kids, but growing up, I realized that she was my closest person whom I could rely on.
She is a supportive, kind, and incredibly clever girl. When we were at school, she always showed off her excellent grades, and I wished I could be like her. I remember a moment from school when I went to her class and told everyone that Shakhnoza was my cousin to protect her. It was my way of standing up for her, just like she has always stood by me. Now my cousin is the only person who truly understands me without judgment. I can share all my secrets with her. Having my cousin in my life is a blessing because I know I have someone who believes in me and stands by my side no matter how difficult things may get.”
Yeskendir Saudanbek, International relations student. Photo by Togzhan Nussipbek.
“I believe women have always been the backbone of society. In my life, after my mother, the person who influenced me the most in becoming a better and stronger individual is my life teacher, Saniya Oskenbaikyzy, the principal of my high school. She was more than just a principal – she was a mentor, a life teacher, a role model, and someone who truly believed in my potential. I first met her in 5th grade when I came to her school, and from that moment, she became the closest person in my school life. I remember listening to her inspiring stories in her office, where she also shared books with me from her library. Whenever I face difficulties, she is a reminder for me that hard work and resilience always pay off.
Through her guidance, I developed leadership skills as she pushed me to take part in many competitions. Thanks to her knowledge and support, I am now studying at KIMEP University. Her wisdom influenced not just me, but many students. I am truly blessed to have had this teacher in my life.”
Aldiyar Dastanov, law student. Photo by Togzhan Nussipbek.
“My grandmother was more than just family – she was the one who raised me, cared for me, and shaped me into the person I am today. I remember her from an early age, always loving and caring about me. She was such a kind person and I’m so proud to be able to have her as my grandma. She taught me the value of kindness, honesty and how to see the good in people. Though she is not with me now, her love and guidance always stay with me. If my grandma were here today, I would tell her how much I love her and how deeply I appreciate everything she did for me.”
Cole Lee Russing – professor. Photo by Jasmina Ilyasova.
“My daughter is the most determined person I know. When she sets her mind to something, she makes it happen.
She’s been making costumes since she was 13. For her first skating competition, she designed her own—and won first place. Years later, we went to a theater conference. She showed her portfolio, and I struck up a conversation with a fellow from the Royal Welsh College. By the end of it, we both knew—that was her place. She applied, waited months in silence, never lost hope. Then one night, while I was cooking dinner, she received the acceptance letter. She just stood there and cried.
Now she’s finished her master’s. We still talk every Sunday. And the truth is, I learn as much from her as she does from me.”
Justin Mulrooney – professor. Photo by Jasmina Ilyasova.
“I never understood fear until I held my daughter in my arms. In that moment, everything changed. Even the way I sleep.
She’s six now. Every time she says her age, I feel the weight of time. My days, my goals, my entire routine—everything moves toward the life I want to give her.
She’s taught me that listening isn’t just hearing. That every word she speaks is a world I need to understand. That paying attention is love.”