Leyla

Turkmenistan, SUSI 2016

In September 2017, Turkmenistan hosted the 5th Annual Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. The Games are sanctioned by the Olympic Council of Asia and therefore attracted many international visitors and sports enthusiasts to the capitol city of Ashgabat. In conjunction with the games, Leyla partnered with her former high school to organize a middle school soccer competition to encourage youth health and fitness. In addition, she organized a cooking contest and dancing exposition in order to celebrate Turkmen national heritage. Leyla shared with the participants “how it's important to share their culture with people from other countries and how it's important to be a good representative of the country and nation.” The students celebrated the end of the competitions by visiting an amusement park where they enjoyed the rides with Leyla.

Children playing soccer.

Children standing in front of cooked food dishes.

Children on an amusement park ride.

Mission

The Study of the United States Institute (SUSI) on Women's Leadership is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). ECA's mission is "to foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries to promote friendly and peaceful relations.