The motivation behind Qyzbolsyn stems from pressing issues such as early pregnancy and a lack of personal safety awareness. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information, one in five girls aged 15-19 faces early pregnancy. Limited sexuality education and societal stigma create additional barriers for teenagers. Qyzbolsyn provides accurate, reliable information, helping girls navigate these challenges. The app also includes a guide for survivors of violence, offering resources on prevention and response.

“The idea of application derived from personal conversations within our team,” says Zhaniya Kenzhegaliyeva. “We talked about our fears, experiences, and the issues that concern us and our peers – how to find support, understand ourselves, deal with societal judgment, and feel safe. We wanted to create a space where every girl could find honest answers and encouragement instead of facing criticism or misunderstanding. That’s how the idea of a ‘pocket older sister’ – a smart, always-available companion came to life.” During the app’s development, Zhaniya and the team conducted a survey of 120 girls to ensure its relevance. The findings highlighted major concerns such as fear of self-expression, lack of a trusted confidant, and the stigma around girls’ safety issues in Kazakhstan.