Ending violence against women
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains a pervasive human rights violation and barrier to gender equality in Kyrgyzstan. Deeply entrenched patriarchal norms, gender inequality, and limited access to justice perpetuate high rates of domestic violence, early and forced marriage, and sexual harassment. While 2024 saw nearly 9,000 officially registered domestic violence cases, significant underreporting persists, and only a fraction of cases result in legal accountability.
The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, demonstrating strong commitment and working in partnership with UN Women, is translating policy into tangible action. The landmark adoption and implementation of the National Strategy for Achieving Gender Equality 2022-2030 and its Action Plan represent a critical step forward. For the first time, this strategy is being systematically localized at the provincial level, ensuring gender priorities and VAWG responses are integrated into community planning and service delivery where they are most needed.
UN Women provides essential technical assistance to strengthen the national response to VAWG, emphasizing survivor-centered approaches. This includes supporting pivotal 2024 legal reforms combating impunity and enhancing protections for survivors, facilitating the establishment of the Council on the Rights of Women, Children, and Gender Equality (under the Jogorku Kenesh) with its own strategy, and working to expand access to essential services like psychosocial support, legal aid, and safe shelter for marginalized women. Recognizing that sustainable change is community-driven, UN Women supports locally-led solutions through its multi-stakeholder initiatives—most notably the UNITE Women’s Movement, which unites over 80 NGOs, including women’s and youth organizations. This support includes capacity-building for strategic positioning, collective movement-building, and the development of a joint communication strategy. UN Women also promotes community-based services such as safe spaces, mobile crisis teams, and survivor networks, alongside youth-led advocacy campaigns and intergenerational dialogues that challenge harmful gender norms. Additionally, it works to strengthen the capacity of local councils, media, and universities to advance gender-sensitive practices, reporting, and education.
Public awareness and mobilization are powerful catalysts. UN Women leads the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, evolving into the impactful year-round #KUNSAYIN (EveryDay) national campaign. Leveraging national TV, radio, and digital platforms, #KUNSAYIN has reached millions, calling for daily action to challenge harmful norms, shift social attitudes and promote behaviour change toward a culture of zero tolerance for violence against women and girls.
Significant obstacles remain, including harmful patriarchal norms, economic barriers trapping women in abusive situations, and limited access to quality support services, especially in rural areas. Rising polarization in public discourse on gender equality also threatens hard-won gains.
Despite challenges, Kyrgyzstan is building crucial foundations for change. The combined sustained commitment of the government, energized civil society, and empowered communities offers a clear pathway forward. This partnership is essential to creating a Kyrgyzstan where every woman and girl can exercise her fundamental right to live free from violence, participate fully in society, and realize her potential.
UN Women stands alongside the women and girls of Kyrgyzstan, unwavering in its commitment to a future where safety, equality, and justice are not aspirations — but realities for all.