For ALL Women and Girls: Yevgeniy Goncharov champions zero tolerance for violence against women

#ForAllWomenAndGirls is a rallying call for action as we mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. One of the voices leading this charge is Yevgeniy Goncharov, a 13-time world champion in kettlebell lifting, a three-time European and Asian champion, and a 34-time national champion of Kazakhstan. But beyond his achievements in the sports arena, Goncharov is a devoted father, mentor, and passionate advocate for a world free from violence against women.

Born and raised in Aktobe, western Kazakhstan, Yevgeniy Goncharov has always strived for excellence. From an early age, he explored multiple sports - judo, gymnastics, wrestling, boxing, and cycling – before ultimately finding his calling in weightlifting. At just 19 years old, he won his first gold medal at the World Kettlebell Lifting Championships. Fast forward to 2023, and he celebrated his 13th world championship title. Yet, his legacy extends far beyond the sports awards.

For the past decade, Goncharov has played a pivotal role in shaping youth sports in Aktobe, using his leadership positions to instill values of discipline, respect, and perseverance in young athletes. He believes that, “Being a real man is about being a real human – someone who is reliable, decent, and true to his word. My message to the younger generation is: Love your homeland, respect your family, and value your friends.”

“If you want to prove your strength, do it in the ring”

As a father to two daughters, Goncharov understands firsthand the importance of nurturing a safe and respectful world for women and girls. He firmly believes that true strength isn’t about overpowering others – it’s about standing up for what’s right. “Force should be used to protect, never to harm. If you want to prove your strength, do it in the ring, on the tatami – in a place where you have an equal opponent,” he asserts.  

A joint UN Women and UNDP study reveals that 18% of people in Kazakhstan - both men and women - fully or partially justify violence by men against their wives or partners. Additionally, 16.4% believe coercion into sex without consent is acceptable, while 16.6% condone threats or intimidation in relationships.

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action emphasizes that “equality, partnership between women and men, and respect for human dignity must permeate all stages of the socialization process,” underscoring the role of education in promoting “self-respect, mutual respect, and cooperation between women and men.”  Recognizing this, UN Women Kazakhstan launched the HeForShe solidarity movement in 2022, expanding it to Central Asia to encourage men leaders to challenge harmful gender norms and promote positive masculinity, particularly among youth.

“People see me as strong. But my true strength lies in my love and respect for my daughters, my wife, and my mother”. Goncharov urges “boys, men, and future husbands” to channel their strength into sports, into their work, and into building healthy, respectful relationships.

As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence in 2024, Goncharov took his message to students at Zhubanov University in Aktobe, engaging them in discussions about sports careers, leadership, and why zero tolerance for violence against women must be a priority.

A world free from violence against ALL WOMEN AND GIRLS is at the heart of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. It is a vision that needs champions – and Yevgeniy Goncharov is one such champion.