A three-day training titled “Developing Women’s Leadership through Mentorship” concluded successfully in Bishkek. Held from 1 to 3 July 2026, the training was organized as part of the “DatkaAym” National Campaign with the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek. The event marked another important step toward establishing a national mentorship system to strengthen women’s leadership in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The primary objective of the training was to prepare a pool of mentors who will support women leaders in their professional, civic, and personal development by helping them unlock their leadership potential, build confidence, and achieve their goals.

Over the course of three days, participants completed a comprehensive programme combining contemporary theoretical approaches with practical mentoring tools. The curriculum focused on women’s leadership, gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), the motivations and needs of women leaders, and the role of mentorship as an effective mechanism for sharing experience and strengthening leadership competencies.

A significant part of the programme was dedicated to practical mentoring methodologies. Participants explored the process of designing an individual development pathway for mentees, learned how to assess their needs and define development goals, developed engagement strategies, and created individual mentorship plans. This hands-on approach enabled participants not only to consolidate their knowledge but also to prepare practical solutions for supporting future participants in the mentorship programme.

On the final day, participants presented their individual mentorship plans. The presentations provided an opportunity to discuss different mentoring approaches, exchange professional perspectives, and receive constructive feedback to further strengthen their plans. The programme concluded with a final assessment, reflection on the training outcomes, and a certificate award ceremony.

As a result of the training, a pool of mentors has been established to play a key role in implementing the mentorship programme of the “DatkaAym” National Campaign. The knowledge, practical skills, and mentorship plans developed during the training will be applied to support women leaders across the country, contributing to their professional growth, leadership development, and increased participation in public and socio-political life.

The development of a national mentorship system remains one of the strategic priorities of the “DatkaAym” National Campaign. Building a community of qualified mentors will provide long-term support for women leaders, strengthen professional networks, encourage knowledge exchange, and contribute to creating a sustainable ecosystem for women’s leadership development in the Kyrgyz Republic.

From 22 to 24 June 2026, a three-day training entitled “Developing Women’s Leadership through Mentorship” was successfully held in Osh, as part of the “DatkaAym” National Campaign with the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek.

The training brought together women leaders from different regions of Kyrgyzstan and marked another important step in establishing a national mentorship system aimed at empowering women and strengthening their leadership in public, political, and professional life.

The primary objective of the training was to prepare a pool of mentors capable of supporting women leaders in developing their leadership competencies, sharing practical experience, and creating a safe and enabling environment for professional and personal growth.

Over the course of three days, participants explored contemporary approaches to women’s leadership development, gained practical knowledge of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) principles, and studied effective mentorship methodologies. They also strengthened their skills in group facilitation, communication, and mentorship planning by developing individual mentoring plans for future participants of the programme.

The training was facilitated by members of the Organizing Committee of the “DatkaAym” National Campaign: Zulfia Kochorbaeva, Executive Director of the Social Technologies Agency Public Association; Ainura Usupbekova, Gender Equality Expert; and Zulfia Turumbekova, Leadership Development Expert. Particular emphasis was placed on hands-on practice, peer learning, case studies, and the application of practical mentorship tools.

Upon completion of the training, all participants successfully passed the final assessment, presented their individual mentorship plans, and received certificates of completion. The newly established pool of mentors will become an integral part of the National Mentorship Programme under the “DatkaAym” Campaign, supporting the development of a new generation of women leaders across the Kyrgyz Republic.

The “DatkaAym” National Campaign continues to systematically strengthen women’s leadership nationwide. Mentorship is recognized as one of the most effective mechanisms for transferring knowledge and experience, expanding women’s opportunities, fostering professional networks, and increasing women’s participation in decision-making processes at both local and national levels.

Initiatives of this kind contribute to building a sustainable community of women leaders based on mutual support, knowledge sharing, and continuous professional development, making an important contribution to advancing gender equality and sustainable development in the Kyrgyz Republic.

On 29 June 2026, the regional meeting of the “Source of Peace – Women for Climate and Water Security” network was held at the Grand Hotel Chavo in Osh as part of the project “Women of the Ferghana Valley at the Forefront of Climate Resilience, Adaptation and Peacebuilding.”

The meeting brought together women leaders, representatives of civil society organizations, government officials, experts in climate change, water resource management and peacebuilding, as well as representatives of partner organizations from Osh, Jalal-Abad and Batken regions.

During the meeting, participants discussed the impacts of climate change on local communities, sustainable water resource management, the role of women in decision-making processes, and opportunities to strengthen interregional cooperation to enhance resilience to climate-related challenges.

Participants exchanged experiences and good practices from national networks and organizations, explored approaches to advancing women’s leadership, strengthening social cohesion and supporting local initiatives. During practical working sessions, participants developed new project ideas aligned with the network’s four priority areas and discussed opportunities for their joint implementation across the regions.

Special attention was given to grant opportunities presented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the areas of climate change adaptation and irrigation. Participants were also introduced to the grant programmes of the BIOM Ecological Development Center, followed by group work on developing project concepts.

In the concluding session, regional coordinators presented reports on activities carried out in their respective regions. Participants also addressed the network’s organizational development, elected a regional coordinator, discussed mechanisms for internal cooperation and approved a joint action plan for the upcoming period.

The regional meeting marked an important step towards strengthening cooperation aimed at enhancing women’s resilience to climate change, improving water security and promoting peacebuilding across the Ferghana Valley. Participants emphasized that such platforms create valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, the development of new initiatives and stronger partnerships between regions.

The meeting was held as part of the project “Women of the Ferghana Valley at the Forefront of Building Climate Resilience, Adaptation and Peacebuilding,” implemented with the support of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the BIOM Ecological Movement Public Association.

• Limited access to education and healthcare;

• Insufficient protection from violence;

• Difficulties in accessing social support;

• Barriers to employment and economic independence;

• Low representation in politics and decision-making processes.

• Legislation does not always provide clear mechanisms for the realization of rights;

• There is a lack of effective oversight of compliance with the rights of women with disabilities;

• Access to legal and informational resources remains extremely limited.

• Dismissive attitudes in healthcare institutions;

• Distrust and bias from law enforcement authorities when seeking protection from violence;

• Lack of physical accessibility in government buildings and employment centers.

• Illustrations by: Alexandra Titova

• • The understanding of disability in the legal and policy framework of the Kyrgyz Republic does not align with international standards; discriminatory terms such as “invalid,” “children with disabilities,” “blind,” “deaf,” and others are still used.

  • The principle of non-discrimination is reflected only in certain normative acts, without addressing issues of multiple discrimination. Many laws are gender-neutral and nearly all are not inclusive.

  • One of the most common forms of violence faced by women and girls with disabilities is domestic violence. However, the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On Protection from Domestic Violence” does not define specific safeguards for them, does not incorporate international standards, and does not provide measures to overcome communication barriers.

  • To ensure the right to access to justice and prevent discrimination, the state must guarantee reasonable accommodation. Yet, this concept, as defined by international standards, is absent from the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic.

  • The Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) of the Kyrgyz Republic does not allow the application of provisions from other normative acts within criminal proceedings. For example, the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On the Rights and Guarantees of Persons with Disabilities” provides for the use of facsimile signatures when individuals are physically unable to sign documents; however, this is not applicable in criminal proceedings.

  • The CPC of the Kyrgyz Republic does not contain provisions enabling persons with disabilities to use the services of a sign language interpreter or other technical means at the pre-investigation stage. There are also no provisions ensuring access to other technical aids, assistants, or intermediaries, including guides and readers, as required under obligations to the CRPD.

• The infrastructure of law enforcement agencies is largely unable to ensure physical accessibility to justice. Informational accessibility is also almost absent, particularly for those with visual and hearing impairments.

• • The majority of cases of violence against women in the Kyrgyz Republic fall under the category of semi-private prosecution, which places the burden of evidence collection on the victims, essentially requiring them to act as their own lawyers. Given the limited access to free legal aid under the State Guaranteed Legal Aid Program (SGLA), victims’ rights remain unprotected, while perpetrators often go unpunished. International standards call for abandoning the practice of terminating cases of violence on the basis of reconciliation and require that responsibility for criminal prosecution rests with the state.

  • The provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) allow, but do not oblige, prosecutors or investigators to initiate a criminal case on behalf of a woman with disabilities, creating corruption risks.

  • During pre-trial proceedings, victims mainly receive support from non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

  • Deposition of testimony, the possibility of questioning the victim at their place of residence, and holding court hearings offsite are almost never applied in practice.

  • Provisions of the CPC that prevent individuals, who due to mental or physical impairments are deemed unable to correctly perceive circumstances relevant to the case and testify, from being questioned as witnesses contradict international standards, which state that the right to participate in criminal proceedings must not depend on a person’s mental health.

  • Delays in implementing protective measures against threats from the accused, pressure from their relatives, indifference and permissiveness by law enforcement, low inclusivity and gender sensitivity among officers, and stereotypes based on gender and disability when women or girls with disabilities attempt to report violence — all these factors undermine the safety of victims, complicate their situation, reduce the effectiveness of investigations, and erode trust in law enforcement and judicial institutions.

  • The lack of technical capacity to conduct DNA analysis in the Kyrgyz Republic highlights the need to develop and modernize the technical infrastructure of the justice sector.

  • Effective protection of women and girls with disabilities who have survived violence cannot be ensured by a single state or non-state body alone. Insufficient interagency cooperation and coordination are further complicated by a lack of human, technical, and financial resources, low gender competence and sensitivity among staff, institutional instability, and inadequate cooperation with civil society and local self-government bodies.

  • International standards require that women and girls with disabilities who have survived violence be provided not only with legal assistance, but also with access to healthcare, psychological support, protection from further violence, and measures to address their long-term needs.

  • None of the crisis centers in the country has adequate infrastructure for survivors with disabilities. Likewise, other support service facilities are not sensitive to their needs.

  • The legal framework of the Kyrgyz Republic contains gaps with respect to the criminalization and establishment of proportionate sanctions for several forms of violence, which does not fully comply with international standards.

  • Compensation for moral damage is an important aspect of restoring justice and alleviating the consequences for the victim. In practice, however, enforcement of judgments related to compensation for material and moral damages faces challenges: such judgments are often not enforced and are returned to the claimant due to the offender’s lack of property.

  • In cases of domestic violence handled under the Administrative Liability Code, compensation for material and moral damages is not provided at all.

• Bring the terminology such as “persons with disabilities” and “сrippled” in Kyrgyz legislation into compliance with international standards, based on the social and legal model of disability, and recognize persons with disabilities as full citizens with guaranteed rights;

• Ensure access to justice with reasonable accommodation, in line with international standards, and legally define refusal to provide reasonable accommodation as an unacceptable form of discrimination;

• Amend the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) and the Code of Offenses (CoO) to take into account the specific features of cases of violence against women and girls with disabilities;

• Hold state bodies accountable for inaction and optimize judicial proceedings to ensure the timely resolution of cases of violence against persons with disabilities;

• Develop and introduce measures to improve the process of collecting and preserving evidence in cases of gender-based violence;

• Introduce mandatory participation of lawyers for victims with disabilities at all stages of the investigation process, provide the right to choose an investigator of the same gender where possible, and ensure no direct contact between victims and perpetrators;

• Collect gender-disaggregated data on survivors of violence with different forms of disability and design measures based on these data to ensure equality;

• Introduce mandatory training for law enforcement officers, legal professionals, social workers, and healthcare providers on the specific aspects of protecting persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls, from violence, in order to prevent discrimination and stereotypes from influencing access to justice;

• Integrate gender-sensitive and inclusive norms into standards of service provision, and ensure that technical regulations consider the needs of persons with different types of disabilities;

• Place government orders aimed at combating stereotypes, improving the status of women and girls with disabilities in society, and supporting crisis centers that provide services for women and girls with disabilities who are survivors of violence;

• Strengthen the review of draft laws and regulations (NPAs) for their sensitivity to the needs of women and girls with disabilities;

• Establish mechanisms to monitor the interaction of all components of the law enforcement system in the protection against gender-based violence, particularly regarding women and girls with disabilities;

• Conduct awareness-raising campaigns to challenge stereotypes and stigmatization of persons with disabilities, as well as to disseminate information to them about their rights and available protection mechanisms;

• Engage civil society organizations representing persons with disabilities in the development and evaluation of state programs;

• Ensure accessible emergency notification systems and hotlines for persons with various forms of disability, as well as 24/7 support services for women and girls with disabilities, including psychological and economic assistance;

• Provide for compensation for material damages and moral harm for women and girls with disabilities who have survived violence, through the establishment of a dedicated fund.

• The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD);

• The UN Sustainable Development Goals (particularly Goals 5 and 10);

• The recommendations of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

The case of sexual violence against a minor girl with intellectual disabilities (2015–2023) spanned nearly a decade and exposed a number of systemic problems in law enforcement, the judiciary, and social protection sectors. Despite the proven fact of rape, the case reached a court verdict only thanks to media intervention and the efforts of human rights organizations. This case raises important questions about access to justice for vulnerable groups, the effectiveness of existing protection mechanisms, and the need for institutional reforms.

The facts of the case

Violations at the pre-trial stage

Violation of the victim’s rights

• The girl was not given a lawyer appointed by the state;
• The examination was conducted by a man under the influence of alcohol;
• Protection from pressure and threats from the accused and their families is not provided;
• The interrogation did not show a sensitive approach that takes into account the specifics of disability;
• The use of technical means of recording (videotaping the interrogation) was denied;
• Social services were treated with complete indifference.

The role of CSOs (civil society organizations)

Trial: 8 years of struggle

Institutional findings

Recommendations:

• The appointment of a government lawyer is mandatory when applying to persons with disabilities and at all stages of the criminal process;
• Prohibition of men’s participation in the examination and examination of girls, especially girls with minor disabilities;
• Mandatory videotaping of interrogations and other investigative actions involving vulnerable groups;
• Creation of interdepartmental groups with the participation of specialists (psychologists, lawyers, social workers) trained to work with girls with disabilities;
• Reform of the pre-trial stage of the Criminal Procedure Code in order to reduce corruption cases of refusal to initiate proceedings;
• Professional development of law enforcement officers in sensitive and gender-oriented approaches;
• Ensuring the protection of victims and witnesses at all stages of the criminal process;
• Conducting information campaigns on the provision of free legal aid and protection measures;
• Monitoring and independent evaluation of the work of social services in cases involving violence against children and people with disabilities.

Results

1. Interagency cooperation and institutional strengthening
   – Development and implementation of methodological guidelines, tools, and updated protection standards against violence;
   – Training of key professionals, including police officers, prosecutors, judges, lawyers, and social workers.

2. Legal support and rights awareness
   – Provision of free legal consultations for women and girls with disabilities on issues of protection from violence;
   – Development of accessible educational materials on rights and protection mechanisms.

3. Public awareness and information campaigns
   – Organizing awareness-raising activities in collaboration with government bodies, media, and civil society;
   – Conducting public information campaigns focused on the rights and protection of women and girls with disabilities from violence.

• Trained over 900 government staff and NGO representatives on protecting the rights of women and girls with disabilities;
• More than 300 journalists trained on inclusive and gender-sensitive journalism;
• More than 30 information and education products developed, including videos, publications and guidance materials;
• Conducted three national studies on gender, media and inclusion;
• 120 women and girls with disabilities received vocational training, 30 of whom are already employed;
• A digital application InKoom was created to monitor media content from a human rights and inclusion perspective;
• Formed the InKoom expert community – a platform for journalists, human rights defenders and activists;
  More than 90 events, including trainings, roundtables, conferences and campaigns were organized;
• The total number of participants involved exceeded 4,500, including 3,248 women and 1,700 young people.

1. Objective of the Assignment

1. Scope of Work

1. Review and Finalize Monitoring Framework:
   • Refine project indicators, baselines, and targets to ensure clarity and relevance.
   • Align the monitoring framework with EU standards and project objectives.
2. Develop Monitoring Tools and Data Collection Methods:
   • Create instruments (e.g., surveys, checklists) to capture progress on youth empowerment, gender equality, media freedom, and human rights activities.
   • Incorporate disaggregated data (age, gender, ethnicity, disability) to measure inclusivity.
3. Ongoing Monitoring and Field Visits:
   • Conduct regular site visits to verify data quality and support local partners.
   • Identify challenges and propose practical solutions to improve M&E processes.
4. Data Analysis and Reporting:
   • Consolidate and analyze data to assess progress against targets.
   • Produce periodic monitoring reports, highlighting key findings, lessons learned, and recommendations.
5. Mid-Term and Final Evaluations Support:
   • Collaborate with evaluators by sharing monitoring data and insights.
   • Recommend adjustments to the project’s strategy based on emerging trends.

1. Deliverables

• Final Monitoring Report

1. Duration and Location

1. Required Qualifications

• Education: Advanced degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Statistics, Public Administration, or related field.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in M&E of development or human rights projects, preferably EU-funded.
  • Proven expertise in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, including disaggregated data approaches.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in designing logframes, indicators, and data collection tools.
  • Knowledge of software for data management (Excel, SPSS, etc.).
  • Familiarity with gender equality, youth engagement, and media freedom indicators.
• Language: Fluency in English; Russian/Kyrgyz proficiency is an asset.
• Personal Attributes:
  • Strong communication and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work effectively under deadlines and in a multicultural context.

1. Application Procedure

1. CV/Resume outlining relevant M&E experience.
2. Cover Letter detailing suitability for the assignment and proposed methodology.
3. Financial Proposal indicating daily or monthly rate, inclusive of applicable taxes.

1. Evaluation Criteria

1. Technical Expertise (40%) – Demonstrated experience in M&E within development or human rights projects, particularly under EU-funded initiatives.
2. Methodology and Approach (30%) – Clarity and relevance of the proposed M&E approach and tools.
3. Qualifications and Skills (20%) – Academic background, language abilities, and familiarity with gender equality, youth empowerment, and media freedom.
4. Financial Proposal (10%) – Cost-effectiveness and alignment with the project’s budget.

1. Disclaimer

1. Background

1. Strengthening Civil Society, Women’s, and Youth Organizations
   • Combating all forms of discrimination, particularly violence against women.
   • Facilitating political dialogue on gender equality and women’s rights.
   • Ensuring inclusive growth and decision-making through the empowerment of women, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or disability.
2. Enhancing Media Capacities and Fundamental Freedoms
   • Fostering journalistic investigations and promoting freedom of opinion and expression through transparency and accountability.
   • Strengthening media and digital literacy skills while countering hate speech in the media.
   • Engaging youth in sustainable development geared toward building a fair and inclusive society.

1. Objective of the Assignment

1. Scope of Work

1. Review and Finalize the Monitoring Framework
   • Examine existing project documentation (logframe, indicators, work plans) and refine the monitoring framework to ensure clarity, relevance, and alignment with project goals and EU standards.
   • Define clear quantitative and qualitative indicators, baselines, and targets for all project components.
2. Develop Monitoring Tools and Data Collection Methods
   • Design data collection instruments (questionnaires, interview guides, observation checklists) that capture information on gender equality, youth participation, human rights advocacy, and media freedom activities.
   • Incorporate methods to capture disaggregated data (e.g., by age, gender, ethnicity, disability) to assess inclusivity and equity.
3. Ongoing Monitoring and Field Visits
   • Conduct periodic field visits to verify data quality and assess project activities (trainings, awareness campaigns, advocacy sessions, etc.).
   • Provide hands-on guidance to local implementing partners on data management and record-keeping.
4. Data Analysis and Reporting
   • Consolidate and analyze collected data to measure progress against targets and indicators.
   • Prepare regular monitoring reports (monthly, quarterly) summarizing key findings, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.
   • Collaborate with the project team to integrate monitoring results into project planning and decision-making processes.
5. Mid-Term and Final Evaluations Support
   • Contribute to mid-term and final project evaluations by sharing monitoring data, insights, and lessons learned.
   • Propose adjustments to the project’s strategy or approach based on evidence and trends observed during the monitoring process.

1. Deliverables

1. Field Visit Reports
   • Brief summaries of findings from on-site visits, including validation of data and quality assurance.
2. Final Monitoring Report
   • A comprehensive overview of the monitoring process, lessons learned, and strategic recommendations for future projects.

1. Timeframe

1. Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Advanced degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Statistics, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Professional Experience:
  • At least 3 years of proven experience in monitoring and evaluation of development or human rights projects, preferably within EU-funded initiatives.
  • Demonstrated expertise in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in designing logframes, indicators, and M&E tools.
  • Strong command of data management software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, or similar).
  • Familiarity with gender equality, human rights, and media freedom indicators.
• Languages: Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Russian and/or Kyrgyz is an asset.
• Personal Attributes:
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work under tight deadlines.
  • Cultural sensitivity and commitment to inclusivity.

1. Management and Reporting

1. Application Process

1. CV/Resume highlighting relevant experience.
2. Cover Letter explaining suitability for the assignment and approach to monitoring.
3. Financial Proposal indicating daily or monthly rate, inclusive of any applicable taxes.

• обсуждены результаты промежуточного мониторинга исполнения НПД на 2022-2024 году за 1-е полугодие 2024 года и новые вызовы;
• согласована методологию и календарный план по разработке проекта НПД на 2025-2027 годы;
• утвержден состав экспертной группы
• Определение приоритетных направлений и целей Национального плана действий на 2025-2027 гг.
• Разработка механизмов мониторинга и оценки реализации плана
• Обеспечение координации действий всех заинтересованных сторон

• contributing to the reduction of violence against women and girls;
• improving journalists’ awareness of gender aspects of inclusive development in Kyrgyzstan;
• promoting wider and better quality coverage of issues related to the protection of the rights of women and girls with disabilities in the media of the Kyrgyz Republic;
• establishing contacts between experts and activists of organisations protecting the rights of women and girls with disabilities and the media community.

1. May 10, 2023 in Zhumgal district of the Naryn region;
2. May 11, 2023 in Ak-Talaa district of the Naryn region;
3. May 15, 2023 in Ak-Suu district of the Issyk-Kul region;
4. May 16, 2023 in Zheti-Oguz district of the Issyk-Kul region;
5. May 23, 2023 in Sokuluk district of the Chui region;
6. May 24, 2023 in Tokmok City of the Chui region;
7. May 30, 2023 in Sulukta City of the Batken region;
8. May 30, 2023 in Razzakov City of the Batken region;
9. May 31, 2023 in Kara-Kulja district of the Osh region;
10. June 1, 2023 in Uzgen district of the Osh region;
11. June 19, 2023 in Kara-Buura district of the Talas region;
12. June 20, 2023 in the Manas district of the Talas region;
13. June 21, 2023 in Tash-Kumyr City of the Jalal-Abad region;
14. June 22, 2023 in Kara-Kul City of the Jalal-Abad region.

The Public Association “Social Technologies Agency” (STA) has joined the Public Council under the Akyikatchy (Ombudsman) Institute of the Kyrgyz Republic. The newly established advisory body brings together representatives of civil society organizations and experts in the field of human rights.

The first meeting of the Public Council was held at the Ombudsman Institute. STA is represented on the Council by its Director and Co-Coordinator of the Alliance of Women’s Legislative Initiatives, Zulfiya Kochorbaeva.

The Public Council was established to strengthen cooperation between the Ombudsman Institute and civil society, the expert community, and human rights organizations. The Council will operate as an independent advisory and expert body.

During its first meeting, Council members discussed priority areas for future work and current issues related to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Kyrgyzstan. Proposals put forward by Council members included conducting joint monitoring activities, particularly in the regions; supporting the implementation of recommendations of the UN Human Rights Committee; and paying greater attention to the protection of personal data and citizens’ environmental rights.

For STA, participation in the Public Council provides an opportunity to contribute the organization’s accumulated experience and expertise in gender equality, the protection of the rights of women and girls, social inclusion, and non-discrimination to discussions on systemic human rights issues and the development of recommendations for public authorities.

Of particular importance is the opportunity to promote more consistent integration of gender-responsive and inclusive approaches into human rights work, while also drawing attention to groups that may face multiple forms of discrimination and additional barriers to the realization of their rights.

Ombudsman of the Kyrgyz Republic Jamila Jamanbaeva noted that the Public Council’s proposals would be taken into account when preparing recommendations for public authorities and developing concrete measures to protect citizens’ rights.

The Public Council also includes representatives and experts from human rights organizations working in such areas as children’s rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, labor rights, and other areas of human rights protection.

STA’s participation in the Public Council builds on the organization’s many years of work to advance gender equality, human rights, and the principles of social inclusion, while strengthening opportunities for dialogue between civil society and the national human rights institution.

From July to August 2026, a Summer Online School was held as part of the project “Women of the Fergana Valley on the Frontline of Climate Resilience, Adaptation and Peace” for members of the “Tynchtyk Bulagy – Women for Climate and Water Security” network. Over the course of eight weeks, participants from different regions of Kyrgyzstan met with experts, activists, representatives of government institutions and the international community to discuss climate and water security, women’s leadership, peacebuilding, and women’s participation in decision-making.

The participants of the School are rural women and activists of the Network, which currently brings together around 200 women from the Batken, Jalal-Abad, and Osh regions. They include women members of local councils, women farmers, and women heads of households.

One of the key topics of the School was advocacy and advancing solutions at the local and national levels. Participants discussed how to turn the challenges faced by women and communities into concrete initiatives and how to advocate for solutions through engagement with government institutions and other stakeholders.

A separate session was dedicated to the experiences of women farmers. Participants learned about the work of the “Dyikan Muras” seed farmers’ network, which brings together more than 700 farmers, 98 percent of whom are women. This experience demonstrated that women’s participation in agriculture is not only a matter of economic independence, but also an important resource for strengthening the resilience of rural communities.

Considerable attention during the School was devoted to climate change and agricultural adaptation. Experts discussed the impacts of climate change on soils and water resources, as well as traditional and modern water-saving technologies. This topic is particularly relevant for participants from the Batken, Osh, and Jalal-Abad regions, where climate change directly affects access to water, agricultural production, and the resilience of local communities.

Another important focus was understanding water as a tool for peace and cooperation. Participants discussed the Women, Peace and Security agenda and opportunities to advance it through cooperation in the field of water resources.

A special highlight of the programme was a meeting with women members of the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) of the Kyrgyz Republic, Erkeayim Seitkazieva and Makhabat Mavlyanova, members of the Committee on Agrarian Policy, Water Resources, Subsoil Use, Ecology and Environmental Protection. Participants had an opportunity to engage directly with the parliamentarians on issues affecting rural women, including their participation in decision-making, water and environmental issues, social protection, and legislative initiatives. The meeting provided an important platform for direct dialogue between women leaders from the regions and representatives at the national level.

As part of the School, participants also met with Anna Kirilenko, Climate Change Programme Coordinator at the BIOM Environmental Movement. They explored how climate change is already affecting, and is expected to affect in the future, the Batken, Jalal-Abad, and Osh regions. The participants also discussed practical adaptation measures, including efficient water use, modern irrigation technologies, rainwater harvesting, and soil moisture conservation.

A particularly significant part of the School was the regional meeting of women leaders from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Khairiniso Rasulova, a member of the Secretariat of the Women’s Basin Forums and a national gender expert from Tajikistan, shared the experience of establishing and operating Women’s Basin Forums. Participants discussed women’s participation in water resource management, the work of basin councils, transboundary cooperation, and opportunities to apply Tajikistan’s experience in Kyrgyzstan. Such exchanges are particularly important for border regions, where water issues cannot be addressed within the boundaries of a single country alone.

The Summer School programme concluded with a meeting with Roza Otunbayeva, former President of the Kyrgyz Republic and former Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The discussion on women’s leadership, peacebuilding, and contemporary challenges in Central Asia enabled participants to view local issues within a broader regional context. Particular attention was paid to the situation of women in Afghanistan, the importance of education and women’s participation in public life, and the need to preserve space for women’s leadership even in times of crisis.

An important outcome of the Summer Online School was not only the knowledge gained, but also the way participants began connecting the topics discussed with their everyday lives, professional activities, and the challenges facing their communities. In their feedback, women highlighted the practical value of the sessions, the opportunity to exchange experiences, and the chance to discuss issues shared by communities across different localities.

One participant from the Nooken district, who works as a chief specialist on social issues at the Burgondu-Dostuk ayil okmotu (rural municipality), highlighted the diversity of women participating in the Network:

Participants from Kyzyl-Bagysh village noted that the School helped them see the connections between climate change, water, women’s leadership, and the development of local communities from a new perspective:

The online meetings with women leaders and members of the Jogorku Kenesh generated particular interest. In their feedback, participants highlighted the opportunity to ask questions directly, receive relevant information, and discuss the challenges women face at the local level:

In their feedback following individual sessions, women also noted that they had gained a better understanding of women’s role in ensuring water security and participating in decision-making. One participant put it this way:

This feedback highlights one of the key outcomes of the School: participants began to see climate, water, peace, and women’s leadership not as separate issues, but as closely interconnected areas. Drawing on their own experiences, women saw how these issues are linked — from responsible water use and climate change adaptation to participation in decision-making and advocating for the interests of their communities.

The Summer Online School was more than a series of educational sessions. It created a space where women from different regions of Kyrgyzstan could exchange experiences, ask questions directly to experts and government representatives, build new connections, and explore practical solutions for their communities.

One of the key takeaways from the School was that climate and water security are closely linked to gender equality, peace, and women’s participation in decision-making. Women who directly experience water scarcity, the impacts of climate change, and socio-economic challenges in their communities should have opportunities not only to raise these issues, but also to participate in developing solutions.

This is why investing in women’s leadership today means investing not only in women’s empowerment, but also in community resilience, cooperation, and a peaceful future for the Fergana Valley.

The Summer Online School ran from 6 July to 30 August and included eight thematic sessions with experts and leaders from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

Members of the Tynchtyk Bulagy network proposed expanding the role of Public Advisory Councils (PACs) so that they can contribute to preventing not only interethnic conflicts but also tensions related to water scarcity, climate change, land, and other natural resources.

The initiative was presented by Dilbar Ysakova from Madaniyat village, Osh region, during a meeting between rural women and members of the Jogorku Kenesh.

According to Dilbar, for southern Kyrgyzstan, which has experienced a number of conflicts, it is particularly important to identify potential sources of tension before situations escalate. At the same time, emerging risks are not always related solely to interethnic relations.

“A dispute over water can also escalate into a serious conflict, particularly in communities where relations between people are already complicated,” Dilbar Ysakova noted.

Rather than creating a new structure, members of the Tynchtyk Bulagy network propose strengthening cooperation with the existing PACs.

As part of a new network initiative, three local Tynchtyk Bulagy groups in Osh and Batken regions plan to work jointly with PACs and local authorities to identify water-related, climate-related, and conflict risks. At the district level, the women aim to develop a mechanism for information exchange and joint early response to emerging problems before they escalate.

Dilbar Ysakova proposed considering, at the national level, an expansion of the PACs’ mandate to include early prevention of conflicts related to water, climate change, and natural resources, as well as establishing regular cooperation between the councils and local women’s groups.

The proposed approach would make it possible to use the experience and capacity of existing PACs to identify emerging sources of tension at an early stage. Women’s groups would be able to report problems directly from their communities and participate in discussions on possible responses before situations escalate.

If the pilot initiative proves successful, network members propose expanding the approach to other districts.

The National Agency for Religious Affairs and Interethnic Relations under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic was proposed as the relevant government institution to consider the initiative.

“These are entirely feasible proposals”

In response, a representative of the parliament noted the practical nature of the rural women’s proposals and indicated that cooperation between women’s groups and PACs could be tested through a pilot initiative.

“You are putting forward proposals that are entirely feasible, rather than something unrealistic. Regarding your proposal on natural resources and advisory councils, we could try working with your organization on a pilot basis. I do not think government institutions would object, as this would provide additional support. It is also valuable to hear the views of people who work directly with communities,” the MP said.

An especially important next step proposed in response to the women’s initiative was to formally submit their recommendations in writing.

“If you have your proposals in writing, please bring them to us. We will forward them to the relevant government authorities. There is no problem with that,” the MP noted.

The next step is therefore to formalize the initiative in writing and submit it to the MPs for referral to the relevant government authorities for consideration.

On 13 October, a dialogue marking the International Day of Rural Women was held at the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic. The event brought together 15 representatives of the Tynchtyk Bulagy – Women for Climate and Water Security network from Osh, Batken, and Jalal-Abad regions.

Rural women activists, farmers, and local leaders had an opportunity to directly discuss with members of parliament the issues women in the regions face on a daily basis, including shortages of irrigation water, the impacts of climate change, conflict prevention, and women’s participation in natural resource management and decision-making.

Today, the Tynchtyk Bulagy network brings together 280 women leaders from 20 pilot communities, including 39 women members of local keneshes (local councils). Network members not only raise issues affecting their villages but also develop concrete initiatives and engage with local authorities.

The network members presented not only the challenges faced by their communities but also concrete proposals on how to strengthen cooperation with government institutions and local self-government bodies.

The dialogue was opened by Erkeaiym Seitkazieva, Deputy Chair of the Council for the Protection of the Rights of Women and Children and Gender Equality under the Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh. In her remarks, she highlighted the importance of rural women’s direct participation in discussions on issues that affect the lives of local communities and emphasized the need to take their proposals into account in decision-making processes.

Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, delivered welcoming remarks. She highlighted the important role of rural women in strengthening community resilience, adapting to climate change, and managing natural resources, and emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities for women to participate in decision-making processes.

Particular attention during the meeting was given to women’s participation in water resource management. Participants discussed shortages of irrigation water, the need to take local observations into account, and the importance of involving rural women in discussions and decisions that affect the lives of their communities.

The participants presented proposals on developing local climate plans; integrating climate, water, and conflict prevention issues into socio-economic development programmes; strengthening cooperation with Basin Councils and Public Advisory Councils; and expanding women’s participation in decision-making processes.

One of the practical outcomes of the dialogue was a proposal by the Members of Parliament for the women to submit their initiatives in writing for further consideration by the relevant government authorities. This format allows the discussion to continue through official correspondence without prejudging the outcome of the review process.

The event was held as part of the project “Women of the Fergana Valley at the Forefront of Climate Resilience, Adaptation and Peace,” implemented by UNDP and the Public Association “Ecological Movement BIOM”, with support from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.

A member of the “Tynchtyk Bulagy” network from Batken Region, Nurgul Ysakova, raised the question of the future of women’s associations after the completion of projects during a meeting between rural women and members of the Jogorku Kenesh.

According to Nurgul Ysakova, the creation of the network helped women from different villages and regions realize that many of the challenges they face are similar — from shortages of irrigation water and drought to disputes arising at the local level.

The most important change, however, came when the women began sharing their experiences and supporting one another’s initiatives.

“Most importantly, we no longer felt that we were alone with our problems. We realized that by working together, we can achieve much more than each of us could individually,” Nurgul Ysakova noted.

Today, members of the Tynchtyk Bulagy network do more than meet during training activities. When women in one village develop a successful approach to saving water or cooperating with local authorities, they share that experience with network members from other communities.

One of the key questions for the network members, therefore, is how to sustain this cooperation after the project ends and establish lasting partnerships between women’s associations and national and local authorities.

In practical terms, this means holding regular consultations with local authorities, ensuring women’s participation in discussions on water and climate issues, and establishing a clear and transparent procedure for considering initiatives submitted by several villages.

Nurgul Ysakova addressed this question directly to the members of parliament and representatives of government institutions:

“Are you ready to support such inter-village women’s associations as permanent partners of local authorities — involving them in joint initiatives, exchanges of experience, and efforts to address common challenges affecting several villages?”

Erkeaiym Seitkazieva, Deputy Chair of the Council for the Protection of the Rights of Women and Children and Gender Equality under the Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, responded to the question.

She clarified that she could not speak on behalf of all members of parliament, but expressed the willingness of women MPs to continue engaging with members of the network.

“I cannot speak on behalf of all MPs, but I can speak on behalf of the women MPs. We are always ready to engage in dialogue with you. We do not divide ourselves by saying, ‘I am from Chui’ or ‘I am from Jalal-Abad.’ We are all here with the same common goal. If we can make your voices heard and provide support, I believe that would already be a good achievement,” Erkeaiym Seitkazieva said.

Thus, the discussion went beyond addressing individual challenges faced by rural women. It also raised the question of how women’s networks established in rural communities can become a sustainable mechanism for engagement with public authorities and how initiatives from villages can reach decision-makers.

As Nurgul Ysakova stated at the conclusion of her remarks:

“One woman can change the life of her family. But when women unite, they can transform the life of an entire village — or even several villages.”

The event was held as part of the project “Women of the Fergana Valley at the Forefront of Climate Resilience, Adaptation and Peace,” implemented by UNDP and the Public Association “Ecological Movement BIOM”, with support from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.