#GenerationEquality gets people running against violence in Kyrgyzstan

“Daddy against patriarchy”, participant runs with his two sons. Photo: OSCE Programme office in Bishkek 

The Government of Kyrgyzstan, together with the national UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls movement, UN agencies, the Swiss Embassy and the OSCE Program Office in Bishkek, marked 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence Campaign in the country with the Generation Equality mass run for women’s rights.

Taking place in Bishkek on 7 December 2019, the event was designed to remind people that violence against girls and women is unacceptable. “We all need to understand that any form of violence is a crime. Therefore, I urge everyone, especially young people, to support this campaign. I urge fellow citizens to fight this type of crime together,” said Vice Prime Minister Altynai Omurbekova during the opening ceremony.

Regional activists came to Bishkek to express their support to 16 Days campaign. Photo: UN Women Kyrgyzstan 

Yntymak Park was packed with participants, representatives of non-government organizations, state institutions and journalists. Participants could opt to run 1,500, 3,000 and 4,000 meters. A total of 226 people took part in the race, including children, elderly people and blind runners.

Kyrgyzstan launched its first feminist art exhibition

Photoshoot from the exhibition. Photo: UNDP in Kyrgyzstan 

Kyrgyzstan’s first feminist art exhibition, Feminnale, opened to public from late November to mid-December 2019. Subtitled: Bread-winner woman, the thought-provoking exhibition focused on the economic role of women, exploring gender inequality, discrimination and sexism through artworks from 56 countries. Feminnale got the public talking about women’s freedom and challenged traditional attitudes in society. The UN system participated in the public discussion, releasing a statement of support for tolerant and peaceful debates. This landmark exhibition was made possible through the technical support of UN Women and the United Nations Development Programme.

Video dedicated to 16 Days campaign

The 16 Days of Activism campaign saw prominent people add their voices to the millions of Kyrgyzstanis who advocate on this issue, encouraging everyone to get involved. The prominent people included, former President Roza Otunbayeva, Vice Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, Mirlan Bakirov, and representatives of diplomatic missions in Kyrgyzstan. Watch the video here.