OSCE Academy Takes Part in 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign

On 5 December 2024, the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, in collaboration with the Central Asian Alliance to End Gender-Based Violence (CA Alliance) and UN Women, hosted an event as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. The event began with welcoming remarks from Dr. Pal Dunay, Interim Director of the OSCE Academy; Ms. Dildora Khamidova, Head of the UN Women Sub-Office in Kyrgyzstan and the OSCE Academy Alumna 2005; and Ms. Dina Amrisheva, Interim Head of the UN Women Country Office in Kazakhstan. Dr. Dunay emphasized the significance of addressing Central Asia’s socio-political and economic challenges, particularly the issue of gender-based violence (GBV). He stressed the need for improved law-making, institutional support, and societal change, highlighting the OSCE Academy's role as a regional platform for dialogue. Ms. Khamidova highlighted the importance of regional collaboration and youth engagement in combating gender-based violence, referencing the 16 Days of Activism campaign and the Central Asian Alliance's efforts to foster collective action. Ms. Amrisheva, highlighted the Alliance's role as a regional platform founded in 2023 with support from the EU and the UN. She emphasized the importance of collective action, mutual learning, and the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which focuses on addressing femicide and gender-based violence across Central Asia.

After the introductory part, Ms. Svetlana Dzardanova, a Human Rights and Corruption Researcher at Freedom for Eurasia and OSCE Academy Alumna of 2009, delivered a presentation titled “Shame Must Change Sides: The Role of the Media in Shifting Public Attitudes Towards GBV and Femicide.” She underscored the media's role in dismantling stigma and fostering accountability.

Following Ms. Dzardanova’s presentation, UN Women representatives showcased a teaser of the documentary "Gorgona," which addresses sexual violence in Kazakhstan and its regional implications. They also presented the HeForShe campaign video, inspiring attendees to challenge harmful norms and stereotypes. The programme included a Q&A session, where participants discussed the root causes of gender-based violence in Central Asian states and Afghanistan and the role of youth in advocating for gender equality. The day concluded with a forward-looking dialogue on the region’s collaborative efforts to prevent GBV.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international civil society-led campaign. It commences on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day, the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, highlighting that violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide. The campaign was launched by activists at the inaugural Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991, and has since mobilized individuals and organizations, including the United Nations and partners worldwide to advocate for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls (VAWG).

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