In Kyrgyzstan, during the lively celebration of UN Day, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) highlighted its efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and support probation programs. On 26 October, UNODC celebrated the 79th anniversary of the UN and focused on shared goals of promoting peace, security, sustainable development, and ensuring Kyrgyzstan is free from drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism.Model UN for young leaders On UN Day, UNODC and CNS in Kyrgyzstan united to host a Model UN event for 100 students from "Sapat" School in Tokmok city, emphasizing the pivotal role of youth in sustainable future. This initiative empowered young minds through legal awareness and healthy lifestyle promotion, sparking inspiration and fostering leadership skills. By immersing participants in UNODC's impactful work, the event showcased collaborative efforts with governmental and non-governmental entities to address drug control and crime prevention tailored to Kyrgyzstan's context. Through the Model UN experience, students not only honed their public speaking abilities but also embraced their potential to drive positive change within their community and beyond. "These skills will empower you for positive change and influence. Your potential to lead others away from drugs, crime, and terrorism is immense," shared Mr. Andrey Seleznev, Head of the UNODC Programme office in Kyrgyzstan. UN FairThe main celebration of UN Day was held in the National Historical Museum. According to Antje Grawe, the UN Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic: “It was deliberately chosen as the venue for the event. This museum, like the United Nations, is a reminder of where we have been and a guidepost for where we are going. Just as the museum preserves the history, culture, and identity of the Kyrgyz people, the UN seeks to preserve and promote the shared history and future of humanity”. Thematic exhibition covering various topics was spread across several floors of the museum, focusing on the Leave No One Behind pledge, climate change, health and food security, human rights, access to justice, youth and gender equality, and peacebuilding. These important issues were presented to the public in an engaging and artistic manner.UNODC jointly with its EU/UNODC initiative #Just4ALL and the Probation Department under the Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic organized a series of master classes: drawing competition, Wushu and Mobilography in the museum.  Engaging exercises involved both the youth and adults, drawing them into a lively quiz titled "What I know about Probation." Through simple yet thought-provoking questions, participants delved into the necessity of alternatives to imprisonment. Amidst enlightening lectures by the Probation Department officers on the legal consequences of criminal actions and the court procedures on granting probation to offenders, while the focus remained on reintegrating probation clients back into society.Probation rehabilitation has a profound mission of social reintegration. The event, enriched by the enthusiastic participation of 10 probation youth, blended quizzes, artistic expressions on the theme of "Justice for All," sharpening athletic skills, and the creation of captivating reels, all under expert guidance and supervision. In a show of solidarity with the EU/UNODC project, Kyrgyz Olympic champion Aisuluu Tynybekova visited the UNODC section, posing for a photo with quiz winners, probation clients, and the project’s staff.Children's creative artwork unveiled deep perspectives on human rights and freedoms. Participants of all ages were welcomed to share their interpretations through artistic expression. Sonya, a participant who was sitting alone behind the stands of the exhibition, moved to tears while crafting her piece and shared a heartfelt revelation: " My son is currently on probation. This system has given him a second chance at life; I can hardly bear to think about what might have happened had he been incarcerated. The probation system has truly become a beacon of hope for his future transformation." The United Nations is unique, as it “was built by the world and for the world”, as the UN Secretary-General António Guterres reminded in his message on the occasion. He further recalled that “Since 1945, it has been the place for countries to unite behind global solutions to global problems. […], calling on all countries to “keep this beacon for the world, and its ideals, shining."For more information, contact Vasilina Brazhko, Communications Analyst, at +996775987817 (WhatsApp)

At the forefront of this movement is Muktaraly, a true champion of change. Muktaraly is one of the first members of the Yntymak self-help group, a local initiative aimed at empowering women and creating jobs. The group members, consisting mainly of women and local youth, underwent training and gained the necessary knowledge, which fostered a spirit of entrepreneurship.Muktaraly, along with his wife of nearly 40 years, seized this opportunity for growth and became a key driver behind the group's successes. Their efforts have led to several income-generating activities, including a sewing workshop, the production of biohumus, and the cultivation of potatoes and fruit trees. These projects have made a tangible difference, particularly with biohumus production, which has significantly increased their family's income."When we harvested our first crop of potatoes using biohumus, the taste was remarkable," Muktaraly explains. "That year, we produced one ton of potatoes from 100 kg of seeds, compared to our previous maximum of 700 kg. Having lived here my whole life, I could really taste the difference. We also donated 500 kg to vulnerable families in our village." The impact of the Yntymak group extended beyond local improvements; it fostered strong connections with neighboring communities in Uzbekistan. The group established partnerships with villages in the Namangan and Andijan regions, promoting knowledge exchange and cooperation in agriculture."Our relationships with our partners in Uzbekistan have strengthened," Muktaraly shares. "Through this project, we visited border villages and got to know one another."This cross-border cooperation has contributed to the introduction of improved apricot varieties and other agricultural innovations in the village of Mangyt, benefiting both Kyrgyz and Uzbek farmers.The project initiative has also led to noticeable changes in the gender dynamics of the community.Local men have begun to recognize and appreciate the contributions of women to economic growth, resulting in increased support and shared responsibilities at home. Discussions and training on family life have further enhanced understanding among family members in Mangyt. As Muktaraly points out, "Supporting women and working together helps us overcome challenges and achieve success. I’ve learned that when men and women collaborate, they develop respect for each other's contributions. True success in business and family life comes from shared responsibilities and cooperation, which helps break stereotypes about women."Muktaraly's wife opened a sewing workshop that has thrived, generating approximately 20,000 KGS ($234) per month from sales of kitchen essentials like "surpa" (fabrics for rolling out dough). This success has inspired other women to pursue sewing, contributing to the economic growth of their households and the village.Villagers refer to Muktaraly as a pioneer of change: "Change is possible when people unite for a common goal. Our commitment to the Kyrgyz and Uzbek communities has contributed to the progress, and my belief in cooperation empowers every man and woman in Mangyt to be modern champions of positive change." The achievements of the Yntymak self-help group, guided by open-minded leaders like the Muktaraly, showcase the power of community initiatives. Through cross-border cooperation and sustainable practices, residents have not only improved their livelihoods and strengthened family relationships, but also contributed to a more equitable and prosperous future for their communities and two countries.***Initiated with the aim of strengthening partnership and cooperation between neighboring countries, the "Joint Prosperity through Cooperation in the Border Regions of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan" project, supported by FAO and UNFPA and funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund, has been implemented over 2.5 years by the Foundation for Tolerance International.45 self-help groups of 340 women and youth living in the border communities of Kyrgyzstan with Uzbekistan were established within the project. The main objective of the groups is to support and empower rural women and youth in these communities to strengthen their socio-economic life in the community. To increase the capacity of these self-help groups, 36 business projects were technically supported.

“The trainings and events in which we participated empowered our village and became a motivation for our personal development. They left a deep impression on us and helped us to form ourselves into leaders of our own communities,” shared Kumushai, a resident of the village of Olon-Bulak, Kashka-Suu aiyl okmotu, Jalal-Abad region.Kumushai, a 46-year-old mother of five, participated in the training of self-help groups of the project implemented in Aksy, Ala-Buka and Aravan districts, and became one of the main participants and initiators of processes to strengthen social cohesion.These trainings, organized with the aim of expanding the rights and opportunities of rural women, supporting the special role of youth and women in peacebuilding, provided invaluable knowledge and information for personal growth and opportunities for self-sufficiency for women and young people.Kumushai, who believed that she could do her work around the house and at the same time make her dreams come true, shared: “I am the youngest daughter-in-law living with my parents-in-law. As the one who has always been responsible for doing all the household chores, and now, wanting to do business, attending trainings, I faced my mother-in-law's displeasure at first, that if guests came home, the duties would remain unfulfilled.”Determined to make a change in her life, Kumushai gained the skills of proper time management, and this desire - while fulfilling her household duties - allowed her to start implementing her initiatives. At one of the trainings she attended, the knowledge on reproductive health proved to be especially important and helped Kumushai bond with her teenage daughter: “My attitude towards growing daughters and sons has changed, because after so many years I started to communicate openly with them. First of all, I myself must understand my children well and be on their side,” Kumushai emphasized.However, Kumushai did not keep the useful information she received to herself. As the head of the parent committee of the village school, she shared knowledge about why it is important to teach boys and girls to take care of the reproductive health. In addition, Kumushai passed on the knowledge gained in small groups with neighboring women and girls.The trainings revived the entrepreneurial spirit of Kumushai. With the support of her mother-in-law, she initiated the opening of a beauty salon near their house, which also provided employment opportunities for local women.“Our small business has not only created jobs, but also strengthened women's sense of independence. Our rural women are now not only raising children and doing household chores, but also have their own personal money. Their mothers-in-law also understand and support them correctly,” Kumushai shared.The beauty salon of the village of Olon-Bulak began to provide modern hairdressing services. Kumushai emphasized the convenience and accessibility that the salon provides in the village: “We have hot and cold running water. VIllagers are also curious, sometimes they just come to watch our work. School teachers come to get their nails done, their hair done. Previously, for the sake of a haircut, our school children went to the city of Kerben, 25 km away. from the village. During this time, until their return, their families were worried, and a lot of money was spent on transportation,” she explained. In addition to the economic benefits of the new workplace, its social impact is also significant. Here they cut the hair of those families who care for relatives with disabilities for free, and make discounts for mothers with many children.Kumushai not only changed her life through determination, perseverance and tireless work, but also made lasting positive changes in the communities of the village in which she resides.“I clearly understood that if women are given education, inspiration, the necessary support and opportunities, then we can achieve everything we strive for,” Kumushai proves in words and deeds in her story. Her initiative helped to overcome traditional barriers, strengthen economic independence and social cohesion of rural communities.***Initiated with the aim of strengthening partnership and cooperation between neighboring countries, the project "Joint Prosperity through Cooperation in the Border Regions of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan", with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund, has been implemented over 2.5 years by the Foundation for Tolerance International.45 self-help groups of 340 women and youth living in the border communities of Kyrgyzstan with Uzbekistan were established within the project. The main objective of the groups is to support and empower rural women and youth in these communities to strengthen their socio-economic life in the community. In order to increase the capacity of the self-help groups, 36 business projects were technically supported. 

which was supported by the UK Government and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in the Kyrgyz Republic, had the dual objective of addressing urgent gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH) needs.    Reaching the Unreachable: Deploying Mobile Clinics UNFPA, with support from UK/CSSF, launched an initiative to provide healthcare services to women and girls affected by cross-border conflict in Batken. Over several months, UNFPA deployed mobile clinics, medical teams and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) providers to these areas, reaching over 4,500 women who had been cut off from basic health services.  These mobile clinics, equipped with gynecologists, mammologists and other specialists including psychologists, became a lifeline for many.Lasting Impact and Government Commitment The success of the mobile clinics led to a sustained demand for their services. Recognising their value, the Batken government mobilized the Ministry of Health and Members of Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic to regularize the use of mobile clinics in border areas and among vulnerable groups. This initiative helped alleviate financial and social tensions and demonstrated the government's commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.   Addressing the Mental Health Crisis In December 2023, the Batken Oblast government requested UNFPA's assistance in responding to a wave of suicides among women in the cross-border village of Andarak, where 10 women aged between 20-43 attempted to commit suicide within one year, half of them could not be saved (https://rus.azattyk.org/a/32743308.html). One of the main reasons for the suicides was mentioned as a domestic violence.  Over the course of three days (from 29 February to 2 March), a team of doctors from the mobile clinic and psychologists were able to provide their services to 184 women and girls. A total of 142 women of reproductive age from 18 to 49 years old were examined. Of these, 40 were over 50 years old and overall:63 women had consulted a general practitioner, 61 women had consulted an obstetrician-gynecologist, 60 women had consulted a mammologist and oncologist,81 women had undergone an ultrasound examination, and 38 women received counseling from psychologists. In addition to the consultations, psychologists held a brief session for 60 high school students in the village of Andarak on the topic of "Prevention of family violence and early marriage".  Bringing Up Community Voices The impact of this initiative was profound and far-reaching, touching the lives of many women in Batken and Leilek districts. Villagers expressed their gratitude for the accessible and compassionate care provided by the mobile clinics. A resident of Ak-Turpak said: "Today the mobile clinic arrived in our village. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the doctors, especially the gynecologist, who took the time to advise each woman with kindness and expertise. With skilled doctors like them, we can overcome and prevent many diseases.”Similarly, Asel Mamytova from Boz-Adyr village emphasized the convenience and quality of care: "Thank you for coming to Boz-Adyr! We no longer have to make long journeys to the capital for check-ups. It would be a real blessing if you could visit us regularly.”As well as providing essential health services, this initiative fostered a sense of community care and support. One resident said, "Before, our villagers used to travel to the capital for medical consultations. Women have not had access to healthcare services for years, because it's quite far to reach and the cost of appointments is a burden for us.” A Vision for the Future of the Rural Women and Girls We are optimistic that the demand and following overall community support to and success of this initiative will contribute to a healthier and more empowered future for every rural woman and girl in the rural areas of Kyrgyzstan. It demonstrates the potential of collaborative efforts to address urgent gender-based violence and SRH needs, and foster a sense of community and resilience. Joint efforts of the UNFPA and KFPA, supported by the UK Government have made a significant impact, demonstrating that with dedicated and compassionate support, no one is left behind. Prepared by Gulaiym ShigaibaevaPhotos provided by KFPA