The annual campaign "16 Days of Activism to End Violence against Women" was launched in Kyrgyzstan.

On 24 November 2023, the annual global campaign "16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence" was launched in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The campaign begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on December 10, International Human Rights Day.

The campaign aims to bring together all stakeholders, including the state, civil society organizations, international organizations, the private sector, the media and academia, to take joint action and measures to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

In his welcoming speech, Edil Baisalov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, noted the changes in society: "What used to be a common occurrence, rather than a crime and taboo, has changed thanks to the sustainability and consistency of the campaign. The 16-day campaign against gender-based violence will remain our priority throughout the year, beyond the campaign period".

The campaign theme changes every year, and in 2023 it runs as: " Unite! Investing in the prevention of violence against women and girls". This theme highlights the urgent need to mobilize the whole of society to invest in preventive action to end gender-based violence at all levels.

Antje Grawe, UN Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic emphasized: "Violence against women is a terrible violation of human rights, a public health crisis, a serious impediment to the sustainable development and well-being of women, their families and the communities in which they live. Unfortunately, it is a persistent, widespread phenomenon - and it is getting worse." Ms. Grave noted that "the 16-day campaign to end violence against women is not just an event, but a process that requires a long wait, dedication and commitment from everyone, as well as the government and society as a whole."

In Kyrgyzstan, the 16 Days Campaign to End Violence against Women and Girls calls for an inclusive approach with the support of all sectors - government bodies, financial institutions, the private sector and civil society - and the need to allocate budgets in line with the State's national and international obligations to prevent violence against women, since needs are more unmet.

Women’s safety and women empowerment are at the core of the EU’s external cooperation. In addition to substantive direct funding, we also make sure that all EU-funded projects are aligned with this approach. The EU-funded Spotlight Initiative has both helped Kyrgyzstan to adopt National Gender Equality Strategy as well as assisted more than 39,000 women and men to receive direct assistance and protection from gender-based violence. As the EU Delegation to Kyrgyzstan we remain committed to support and finance actions against gender based violence and to promote gender equality».

At the end of the event, Ms. Gulnara Baatyrova, Minister of Labor, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic, called on the heads of all government agencies and the public to contribute to the campaign and noted that preventing all forms of violence against women and girls requires much more effort and the support of the entire Kyrgyz society.

As part of the campaign, various events will be held throughout the country until the end of the year, and the campaign will conclude in Osh. Every person can become an ally/associate in promoting the prevention of gender-based violence through awareness raising and public advocacy. The actions of each of us are essential to ending violence in the country at all levels and in all sectors.

The national launch of the 16-day campaign is organized by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration, the UN System and UN Women in the Kyrgyz Republic with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic.