UNODC supports “Generation Equality” campaign in the Kyrgyz Republic

Promotion of women rights plays a key role in ensuring peace and harmony in society and full realization of human potential based on sustainable development. Despite significant, no country can claim to have achieved gender equality.

The theme of International Women’s Day 2020 is, I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights. The theme is aligned with UN Women’s new multigenerational campaign, Generation Equality, which marks the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the most progressive roadmap for the empowerment of women and girls, everywhere.

On the occasion of March 8, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), together with the Forum of Women of Kyrgyzstan and the Association of Women of the Security Sector, joined the Generation Equality campaign by gathering more than 300 female students for a public awareness raising event in Bishkek aimed at raising legal literacy through an interactive quiz.

“Our main goal with this event was to develop critical thinking and promote a healthy lifestyle among young people,” said Mrs. Kaana Aydarkul, Head of the Association of Women in the Security Sector. “We tried to promote legal awareness among young women by involving them in interactive games and quizzes, which required them to work in teams, show their creativity and be respectful to each other. We sincerely hope that we succeeded”.

The Generation Equality campaign requires equal pay; equal distribution of unpaid childcare and homework; eradicating sexual harassment and all forms of violence against women and girls; health services that meet the needs of women, as well as equal participation in political life and decision-making processes in all areas of life.

“International Women's Day gives us the opportunity to think about the successes achieved, to call for changes and to note acts of courage and determination of ordinary women who played an exceptional role in the history of their countries and communities. The participating youth showed great creativity in expressing their understanding of gender equality. This inspires and gives hope for strengthening the principles of gender equality in our country”, added Ms. Zhypara Rakisheva, UNODC National Program Coordinator.

In addition to the interactive quiz, UNODC partnered with other UN Agencies in Kyrgyzstan to conduct a photo exhibition and facilitate TV and radio interviews with women working in law enforcement and the justice sector and talks with university student. All these events and initiatives brough together over 2000 young women and men and teachers of four universities of Bishkek city.

Since 2014, UNODC has been assisting the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic in enhancing the capacity of women in law enforcement and the criminal justice system, promoting their role and representation, including in leadership positions. UNODC works at local and national levels to promote a coordinated response to gender-based violence, increase the capacity of law enforcement agencies, local self-government and social services to provide services to victims of domestic violence, and strengthen the capacity of local crime prevention centres, including women's committees.

In 2019, legal aid centers were opened in Bishkek city districts, where counseling is provided to vulnerable groups of the population, including women affected by domestic violence.

UNODC also works to improve crime and criminal justice data collection and analysis, including in relation to gender-based violence and human trafficking.

For more information,

Please contact Vasilina Brazhko (Ms.)

Communication and PR officer

UNODC/ROCA

+996775987817 (Whats App)

of by e-mail: vasilina.brazhko@un.org