An event called "Women with Disabilities: Leadership Without Barriers" was held in Bishkek, dedicated to International Women's Day. The event discussed topics of equality, dignity, and the active participation of women with disabilities in the development of the country. Behind the abstract terms of policy and inclusion lie the real stories of those who refused to be "objects of assistance" and became co-authors of change.
The event was organized by the Office of the Ombudsman of Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration, and the NGO "Agency of Social Technologies," with support from international partners.
Rights are obligations, not acts of goodwill
Ombudsman Jamila Dzhamanbaeva noted that March 8 is not only a day of congratulations but also an important occasion to talk about equality and non-discrimination.According to her, women with disabilities are actively involved in public life despite existing barriers and make significant contributions to the social and cultural development of Kyrgyzstan.
“Protecting the rights of women with disabilities is not only an internal priority but also an international obligation. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires ensuring the full and equal realization of all rights for women and girls with disabilities,” she clarified.
The Ombudsman added that women with disabilities often face double discrimination—based on gender and disability. However, creating equal conditions allows them to fully unleash their potential.
The problem lies in the system, not in the women
Deputy Toktobubu Ashymbaeva emphasized that the real problem lies not with the women themselves but with the barriers they face.She highlighted several key areas to eliminate these barriers:
- Education. Every girl, regardless of her health status, should have access to quality and inclusive education, including trained teachers and adapted programs.
- Employment and economic independence. Women with disabilities should have the opportunity to work and start businesses.
- Protection from violence and discrimination. This group of women is particularly vulnerable.
- Participation in decision-making. Without their input, it is impossible to create effective policy.
“You are not objects of social policy. You are its co-authors,” the deputy emphasized.
Stereotypes are harder to break than to build ramps
Gulmira Kazakunova, head of the NGO "Equality," has been advocating for the rights of women with disabilities for over 20 years. As a woman with a disability, she is familiar with the existing problems.In her opinion, today’s barriers are often related not to physical obstacles but to stereotypes.
There is an opinion that a woman with a disability is merely a recipient of assistance, not a person capable of influencing change.
Gulmira Kazakunova
Nevertheless, the situation is gradually changing. Women with disabilities are participating in the development of laws, training civil servants, and actively engaging in public discussions.
Nishana Zheenalieva: a step on the tatami as a step towards oneself
Personal stories of women with disabilities highlight the importance of their participation in public life.Nishana Zheenalieva was born without fingers on her hands and feet. From an early age, she had to overcome both physical and social barriers—difficulties in learning and internal insecurity.
After the closure of a specialized school, she continued her education in a boarding school in Bishkek, not planning to engage in sports. Nishana studied, worked, became a mother, and lived a normal life until a chance invitation to try para-taekwondo changed everything.
The first step into the gym was decisive. She trained in a regular group, without any concessions. The requirements were the same for all participants. Over the course of a year, Nishana did not miss a single training session.
Due to the lack of para-athletes in the country, she often had to compete against able-bodied athletes.
Each match required not only physical preparation but also psychological resilience, which strengthened her character and helped her reach an international level.
Over time, sports became a source of confidence for her. She learned to accept the features of her body and gave up using special gloves, making her openness her strength.
In addition, Nishana developed her own business, participated in creative projects, and raised her son. She considers motherhood her greatest victory and main source of motivation.
Today, her achievements are measured not only by medals. She demonstrates that professional sports are possible even under conditions of limited resources, and the boundaries between "para" and "regular" sports are conditional.
Victoria Biryukova: from trials to human rights leadership
At the age of 13, Victoria Biryukova suffered an ischemic stroke, which drastically changed her life. Years of rehabilitation became a real challenge for her, both physically and emotionally.Her family played an important role in her recovery. The support of her parents helped her undergo treatment and adaptation. Later, Victoria began working with a psychologist, met activists, and gradually returned to public life.
She obtained a master's degree in philology and actively engaged in volunteering in human rights organizations during her studies. She worked with the Association of Parents of Children with Disabilities and the Central Asian Network of Women with Disabilities, which laid the foundation for her professional career.
Since 2018, Victoria has been actively advocating for the rights of women with disabilities. She participated in the establishment of a shelter for women in crisis situations, where assistance was provided to about a hundred women over several years.
Her personal experience of discrimination—in education, public places, and even within her family—did not break her but rather became the basis for her human rights work.
Today, Victoria continues to develop, studies the Kyrgyz language, plans to obtain a legal education, and tries her hand in politics.
She is convinced that systemic changes are only possible with the participation of women with disabilities in decision-making.
In addition to her human rights work, Victoria leads an inclusive art project "Visible Voice," consults youth, and actively participates in the activities of the coalition of human rights defenders.
