Kyrgyzstan calls for zero tolerance for violence against women and girls

Today, the annual 16-day campaign against gender-based violence officially kicked off in Bishkek. The event was attended by civil society organizations, activists, international partners, and representatives of the Kyrgyz government. This year, the national campaign aims to unite efforts in the fight against violence toward women and girls, calling for the creation of an ecosystem based on the principle of zero tolerance toward violence.

The launch event included a thematic discussion involving civil society representatives, key government officials, and international partners. Participants were divided into groups and developed proposals for improving the national strategy for preventing violence, ensuring protection for victims, and raising public awareness.

Minister of Labor, Social Security, and Migration, Zhyldyz Polotova, emphasized that despite various measures being taken to prevent and address violence, there are still alarming instances of abuse and mistreatment of women.

“The most tragic part is that children are witnessing these acts. Cases of inhumane treatment and violence against their mothers leave deep wounds and consequences in their souls, which can persist for generations. Today, to strengthen coordination and control over the implementation of social protection measures and the protection of children’s rights, to promote family values, combat gender discrimination and violence, advance gender development and women's leadership, and enhance the role of women in ensuring peace and security, the National Council for Family Affairs, Gender Development, Social Protection, and Children’s Rights has been established under the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan,” she said.

The Minister also called on society to actively participate in the campaign, emphasizing the need for increased awareness of the issue.

“As Kyrgyz people say: ‘A girl's forty braids are sacred.’ The meaning of this saying is profound. We must continue the kind and humane traditions of our people, respecting the honor and dignity of every person. At the same time, we must unite all our efforts and prevent violence in the modern, civilized world. 

We urge our partners to actively engage in the process of implementing the state social order, within which social projects can be implemented to solve many social problems that are directly or indirectly related to issues of violence. In 2025, 115 million som will be allocated from the national budget for the implementation of social projects,” she emphasized.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Kyrgyzstan, Ms. Antje Grawe, noted the alarming statistics, including the rise in cases of femicide and domestic violence in Kyrgyzstan, and called for a holistic approach involving all sectors of society to address systemic inequality and harmful norms. Ms. Grawe praised recent progress, such as the ratification of ILO Convention No. 190 and the tightening of domestic violence legislation, while also urging continued reforms to ensure accountability and adequate support for victims. She emphasized the need for increased awareness, sustainable funding, and a culture of zero tolerance for violence, reaffirming the UN’s unwavering commitment to creating a world in which all women and girls can live free from fear and harm.

The Head of the European Union Delegation to Kyrgyzstan, Ms. Marilyn Josephson, stressed the importance of actions within the framework of the 16-day campaign, reminding that every voice matters, and every effort brings us closer to a world based on dignity and equality. According to her, the campaign is not just about raising awareness but also about taking real action. “This means listening to the victims, holding perpetrators accountable, and working together to eradicate violence in all its forms. Together, we can achieve change,” the Ambassador noted.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic, in cooperation with UN Women.

Campaign Reference Information

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global initiative held annually from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day. This year’s campaign is themed: “Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Unite to End Violence Against Women”.