. For nine years, Aydana Abduvalieva, a 37-year-old emergency service officer, faces risk and stress every day. Despite the fact that two children are waiting for her at home, she strives to break stereotypes about women not being able to handle complex tasks at work. In this article, she shares her experience, discussing the challenges of her profession, the true value of service, and debunking the myth of the "strict woman in uniform," beneath which lies a sensitive nature.
Aydana holds the position of senior officer in the logistics department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic. From a very young age, she aspired to serve her country. After enrolling in the Osh Technological University in the "Ecology and Emergency Protection" faculty, she fulfilled her dream by joining the Ministry of Emergency Situations after graduation.
“Working in our service requires immense responsibility. I am proud to wear the uniform and fulfill my duties. There are moments when balancing service and caring for my children is very difficult. The specifics of our work include round-the-clock duty and frequent calls, which forces me to leave my children at home. This causes pain and internal conflict, but I understand that service is important. We, women, perform our duties on par with men,” says Aydana.
According to her, working in the Ministry of Emergency Situations not only tests one's strength but also shapes character. There is no need for artificial self-assertion—system and discipline help create inner strength.
“We strictly adhere to the laws and the Constitution of the country, working within the framework of military regulations. Professionalism lies in the precise execution of orders. Working in the Ministry of Emergency Situations has given me not only experience but also loyal friends. Moreover, I have realized the true value of life by witnessing the fates of people who find themselves in difficult situations every day. This makes me appreciate time and every human life,” she adds.
Previously, Aydana worked in the unified emergency service 112 at the Crisis Management Center in Osh. She notes that this work can be especially hard for women, as household duties often take a back seat, and shifts can last for two days. There were times when her heart was torn with worry, but resilience was always necessary.
“Once during a shift in the 112 service, I was informed that my three-year-old son was missing. He had gone out to play with a neighbor's boy, and I didn’t know where he was. At that time, I was taking emergency calls and was responsible for the lives of others. It was a terrible moment, but fortunately, everything ended well. I learned to find a balance between motherhood and service,” she recalls.
Aydana has repeatedly faced a difficult choice between work and family but believes that all difficulties are surmountable. “Today's sorrow can turn into joy tomorrow, so I try not to fall into despair. It’s important to maintain optimism and remember that after a dark streak, a bright one always follows,” she adds.
“A woman in uniform is, first and foremost, a woman. We value tenderness and care just like everyone else. Our work requires emotional involvement, and sometimes we ourselves need support. Working in the Ministry of Emergency Situations has taught me discipline, and I have become stricter in raising my children. However, I realized that despite the tough days, I must find time to communicate with my children and take an interest in their lives,” Aydana concludes.
To those dreaming of serving in uniform, Aydana advises not to forget about sports and perseverance in studies.
“The homeland for me is home. We are all one big family, and to keep our common home strong, it needs to be cherished and protected. I am grateful to fate for our land and for the opportunity to serve in the Ministry of Emergency Situations, caring for the safety of our home every day,” she emphasizes.
Women in uniform are proof that true strength is not defined by physical power but is manifested in the ability to keep a cool head in chaos and a warm heart in dealing with those in need of help. These women do not just fulfill their duties; they bring a touch of kindness into the world.
