A free women's community for residents over 45 has started operating in the Kazakh capital. Participants get to know each other, socialize, and spend leisure time together, reports infohub.kz.
The initiative was launched by 52-year-old Aigul Balgabayeva. After moving to Astana, she faced a lack of communication and support, which prompted her to create a space where women 45+ could make new friends, go for walks, travel, and enjoy their free time.
One of the meeting formats has become the so-called "rides" — joint car trips around the city, allowing participants to get to know each other better and chat in an informal setting.
"Rides around Astana are not paid therapy. It's more of a format for relaxation, communication, and emotional recharge: we get into cars, meet each other, talk, laugh, and see the city. Participation is free," said Aigul.
According to Balgabayeva, the community was created recently, but about 170 women have already joined. Participants are actively getting acquainted, discussing topics that concern them, and planning joint events and activities.
"It's important for me that women feel they are not alone. Life doesn't end after 45 — you can continue to meet people, travel, and simply live brightly and with pleasure," says the Astana resident.
The organizer herself leads an active lifestyle and runs a blog. Since the age of 48, she has regularly traveled abroad and, according to her, has visited more than 17 countries and 30 cities worldwide.
She intends to bring this experience to the community's activities: plans include not only walks and "rides" but also joint trips and other forms of leisure.