In Bishkek, in honor of International Women's Day, a traditional march dedicated to women's rights in Kyrgyzstan took place. This year, the event was held in the Maxim Gorky Park after receiving permission from the authorities.
More than a hundred activists and residents sympathetic to the fight for women's rights gathered for the rally. Police officers monitored the order.
Aigul Storozhuk, a representative of the organizing committee, noted that obtaining permission for the event was particularly difficult this year.
According to her, the organizers were initially denied permission to hold the march, with only a rally being allowed. Activists insisted on a traditional procession, but they were made to understand that even the rally could be banned.
“We appealed to the deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh, and a wave of criticism fell on the support of Elvira Surabaldiyeva. As a result, we had to defend her,” Aigul said.
She also reported that activists sent an appeal to the president of the country, which ultimately helped to hold the rally.
Aigul Storozhuk emphasized that such events are extremely important for society, as cases of femicide and violence against women still occur in the country.
“If you look at the comments on the internet, in 80% of cases, the victim is blamed for what happened,” the activist added.
She noted that victims are often blamed for being “in the wrong place,” “dressed inappropriately,” or “under the influence of alcohol.”
“We want to convey a simple truth: the perpetrator is always to blame for the violence,” she emphasized.
Participants of the rally Daria and Alisa believe that women are not weak. They are convinced that such events demonstrate the unity of women and the men who support them in the fight against violence.
The former ombudsman of Kyrgyzstan, Atyr Abdrakhmatova, also participated in the rally. She noted that the level of violence in the country, unfortunately, is not decreasing.
“In Kyrgyzstan, there is a fabricated and imposed shame that makes women afraid to speak out and express their opinions. We must get rid of this shame and start openly discussing problems,” she stated.
Atyr Abdrakhmatova added that such rallies are gradually achieving their goals. If previously provocations occurred during marches and activists were detained, now such incidents have become rare.
The human rights activist noted that participants of the rallies are often criticized for “Western values,” however, she believes that in Kyrgyz traditions, women have always held an equal position with men.
“Even a yurt is divided into two equal parts — male and female,” she added.
Atyr also noted that an important achievement has been the participation of the families of violence victims in the rallies, who are increasingly speaking out about their tragedies and how the justice system does not always protect the victims.
Some participants approached the event with creativity. Activist Nazik has been bringing a board resembling a drum from the show “Field of Miracles” to the rally for several years. Anyone can spin the arrow, but it always stops on the sector labeled “the woman chooses for herself.”
Another activist, Alena, is preparing a special announcement with tear-off sheets, each of which lists a step that can bring women closer to freedom. Rally participants can tear off the one they consider most important.
