Gender Equality Station inspires more than 200 commitments to advance women’s rights in the Kyrgyz Republic

Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic - 200 women and men pledged to support gender equality and women’s rights in Kyrgyzstan after visiting UN Women’s interactive Gender Equality Station at EU FEST 2026. The space encouraged visitors from all walks of life to challenge stereotypes and commit to creating safer, more equal homes and communities. 

Over the course of the festival, more than 5,000 people visited the Gender Equality Station and took part in interactive activities designed to spark dialogues and reflection. At the “Wall of Reflection,” women and girls shared stereotypes they want to leave behind and expressed their hopes for a world they want to live in.

“In our country, girls and young women are constantly told what to wear, what to say, and how to behave, as if being born a girl comes with a rulebook written by others,” said Aida, a participant at the EU Fest 2026. “Events like this remind us that we are not alone. Here, we find curious minds, open hearts, and kindred spirits who ask the same questions and dare to imagine something different. Together, we learn, we grow, and we rewrite the stories told about us. Our power lies in seeking knowledge, finding our people and choosing, every single day, to remain free and happy,” Aida added.

Visitors also explored the HeForShe movement, which promotes positive masculinities and encourages men and boys to become allies in advancing the rights and empowerment of women and girls.

In total, 203 people – including 153 men and 50 women – signed one of the pledges in support of gender equality. Participants committed to speaking up about gender equality in their communities, standing against discrimination and violence when they witness it, championing equal opportunities in the workplace, raising children with values of respect and equality, and supporting organizations that empower women and girls.

The most popular pledge was to stand against discrimination and violence, selected by 150 participants, underscoring a growing commitment to building a society free from violence and inequality. 
Organized by the European Union Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic, EU Fest 2026 brought together thousands of people from Bishkek and across the country, alongside civil society organizations, diplomatic missions, government institutions, and development partners.

UN Women's participation in the festival was supported by the European Union, through the “Zero Violence Against Women and Girls in the Kyrgyz Republic” programme, which works to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls while strengthening gender-responsive policies, services and community engagement.

During the festival, UN Women presented the HeForShe Gender Champion Badge to Rémi Duflot, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic, in recognition of his commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls. The award reinforced the strong partnership between UN Women and the European Union in promoting equal rights, opportunities and a life free from violence for all women and girls in the country.

“It was encouraging to see hundreds of visitors engage with the Gender Equality Station at the EU Festival and embrace the message that gender equality is everyone’s responsibility,” said Syed Sadiq, UN Women Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic. “When people come together to learn, challenge stereotypes, and take action, they become powerful agents of change for a more equal, inclusive, and violence-free society,” he concluded.