EMBASSY BISHKEK'S SERIES OF EVENTS TO COMMEMORATE 16 DAYS FREE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

UNCLAS BISHKEK 001520

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

SIPDIS

STATE FOR G/WI
STATE ALSO FOR SCA/CEN

E.O. 12958: NA
TAG: KWMN, PHUM, PREL, KG
SUBJECT: EMBASSY BISHKEK'S SERIES OF EVENTS TO COMMEMORATE 16 DAYS
FREE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

REF: STATE 142614


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Working in conjunction with Post's Mentor Program
for Women Leaders and Peace Corps, Embassy Bishkek organized a
series of events around the country, including the cities of
Bishkek, Osh and Naryn to commemorate the 16 days free of violence
against women that run from November 25 to December 10. Post
organized movie screenings and discussion groups. END SUMMARY.


2. (SBU) In Bishkek, on November 28, 2007, together with the
American University in Central Asia, Post organized an event where
approximately 40 participants of the Women's Mentor Program met to
discuss an American film about sexual harassment and violence
against women. The discussion was moderated by mentor and gender
expert Ms. Shishkaraeva, the Soros Foundation's regional manager on
educational programs. Other mentors attended the event, including
UNDP's regional coordinator Ms. Nurgul Asylbekova, Ms. Muhametshina,
the representative from the Mayor's office, and the head of the
Sezim shelter and the nominee from Kyrgyzstan for the Department's
2007 Woman of Courage Award Ms. Bubusara Ryskulova. During the
introductory remarks, the Public Affairs Officer underlined the
importance of a world free of violence, especially in the Kyrgyz
Republic, where there has been a noticeable backsliding in women's
equality and bride kidnapping and domestic violence against women
are becoming more common place. AUCA's President Dr. Ellen Hurwitz
noted that "only by discussing openly the roots and consequences of
prejudice and violence against women can these injustices be rooted
out." The students were very interested in discussion and actively
participated with personal experiences and stories. Male students
also expressed strong interest in participating in such an important
discussion.


3. (SBU) In Osh, on November 30, Ms. Akchach Joldosheva, head of the
Gender Centre, led the Mentorship Program's discussion of violence
against women, and in particular, the issue of bride kidnapping. One
of the most active mentors, Ms. Jyldyz Aknazarova, vice-rector of
the Osh State University, helped with organizing the event. During
the roundtable she stressed the importance of protecting women's
rights. Other participants included Mr. Sonunbek Junusbayev, a
leader of the youth NGO "Jash kadam", who explained to the
participants that "women should involve men in the discussion of
women issues and that they do so in their NGO." Ms. Farida
Abdullaeva, the Deputy Governor on women's issues, explained how the
government works on gender issues according to the national plan.
U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers Rebecca Johnson and Christina Schulz
also participated in the roundtable discussion. Ms. Antonina
Zaharova, one of the mentors, suggested explaining to youth what
awaits them if they are not able to protect their own rights.


4. (SBU) In Naryn, on November 28, 2007, Ms. Ainura Temirova,
professor of history and political science at the Naryn College of
Law facilitated the discussion on domestic violence, which was
attended by twenty-five mentors and students. The discussion was
co-facilitated by Peace Corps volunteers Eugene Imas and Virginia
Jurika, who introduced participants to the history of this important
day. As a result of this discussion, participants decided to develop
a project specifically aimed at eliminating domestic violence and
promoting women's rights.


5. (SBU) Post also participated in other events that took place in
Bishkek that were sponsored by local NGOs. On November 29, 2007, DCM
Litzenberger made remarks at the forum "New Faces of Kyrgyzstan -
for democratic development!" for women candidates to the Jogorku
Kenesh. The event was organized by Ms. Gulnara Ibraeva, the head of
the NGO "Agency of Social Technologies". The DCM stressed the
importance of female candidates participating in the elections
process as a reflection of the "healthiest democracy is one where
all segments in the society are represented."


6. (U) Post's POC is Jasmine Cameron, Legal Assistant, Office of the
Resident Legal Adviser
--- Telephone number: (996)(312)55-12-41, ext. 4496
--- Fax: (996)(312)55-12-64
--- E-mail: cameronjd@state.gov


7. (U) Post's Federal Women Programs Coordinator Michelle Yerkin,
Information Officer
--- Telephone number: (996)(312)55-12-41, ext. 4434
--- Fax: (996)(312)55-12-64
--- E-mail: yerkinMM2@state.gov

YOVANOVITCH