We focus on the roles women leaders play in Kyrgyzstan in various socio-historical, political and cultural contexts, as well as current challenges and opportunities they face. We examine women leaders in government, business, education, science, non-profit and non-governmental organizations, art and the media. Our research approach combines both qualitative and quantitative methods. The survey addresses topics and themes such as leadership characteristics and qualities, cultural and religious preconditions, practices, and related stereotypes. It also considers how women leaders in Kyrgyzstan balance leadership responsibilities, work, and family roles, particularly, the role of women as mothers, wives, and daughters-in-law in the patriarchal society. In-depth interviews with current women leaders in government, business, science, education, and non-governmental organization sectors feature individual case studies on the challenges and opportunities that women leaders face in their careers. We argue that the role of women leaders in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia as a whole has not been considered holistically, by taking into account local perceptions and, in particular, the views of women leaders themselves. The results of our research can generate more public debate, influence policymaking agendas, and initiate further scholarly work.