Munira Akilova is a designer, and the founder and owner of the MUNIR brand. She is also an expert trainer in handicraft, tourism and entrepreneurship.

Munira is passionate about embroidery, and after a long period of being a professor, she decided to change her path and spend the rest of her life doing what she loves. Since 2013, Munira's hobby has become a business. She reflects that "motivating people, seeing the shine in their eyes is what keeps me empowered in this beautiful world."

Her business, MUNIR, unites more than 30 ladies to run a social enterprise. The main aims of MUNIR are research, education and production in handicrafts. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Create. Empower. Unite.

The project empowered 12 artisans of the Sughd region of Tajikistan who were members of handcraft groups in their areas to develop new artisanal products and service. Four workshops were organized focused on tools for teaching a master class, product design and social media marketing, among other topics. Some of the artisans also participated in a 3-day study tour to the Zerafshan Valley, where they networked and shared experience with local handicraft groups there. Three handcraft fairs were organized in Khujand to showcase the products developed by the newly trained artisans.

"I’ve never paid attention to fixing color combinations in my production before. Even when clients asked for a repeat product, I didn't even remember what color combination I used. It turns out that it’s convenient to save a color combination - this way you can somehow systematize your production." - Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Munira participated in the IVLP Project Adventure Tourism in the United States, organized by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global, in partnership with Global Ties Arizona, WorldDenver, Michigan Council for Citizen Diplomacy, and International Institute of Wisconsin.

Munira's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "...during the program we visited one of the well-organized handicraft shops in Traverse City. It was a good example of tourism & handicraft synergy."

U.S. Communities Visited

Grand Canyon, AZ; Flagstaff; AZ; Scottsdale, AZ; Denver, CO; Washington, DC; Traverse City, MI; Madison, WI

Country: Tajikistan

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