The annual campaign "16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence" has begun in Bishkek, timed to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence. The event opened at the National Historical Museum under the slogan "Unite to End Violence Against Women," which coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The campaign will continue until December 10, which is celebrated as International Human Rights Day.
Representatives from government institutions, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector, as well as media and arts workers, gathered for the opening.
The Deputy Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, Edil Baisalov, the UN Resident Coordinator in the country, Antje Grave, and the Deputy Mayor of Bishkek, Viktoria Mozgacheva, conducted the opening ceremony.
During the opening, a panel discussion on "Digital Freedom Without Fear: Safety for Everyone" took place, aimed at discussing issues of digital violence and developing measures to address legislative and practical gaps.
Various informational and educational activities are planned as part of the campaign: participation in the national dialogue "Equal Rights and Safety for Women," thematic actions, flash mobs in major stores, training workshops for social workers, parent meetings in schools, as well as free medical examinations for women and girls and assistance to vulnerable groups.
The event concluded with performances by youth and artists under the slogan "Equality Online - A Step Towards a Violence-Free World."
