The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a $1.1 million initiative to support victims of gender-based violence in the Kyrgyz Republic. Announced on March 10, 2022, during an event in Bishkek for International Women’s Day, this program aims to provide comprehensive assistance to survivors and prevent future violence.
Named the "Gender-Based Violence Survivor Pathways," the initiative will involve partnerships with 11 crisis centers and civil society organizations throughout regions including Batken, Bishkek, Jalal-Abad, Naryn, Issyk-Kul, Osh, and Talas. The launch was attended by Kudaibergen Bazarbaev, Minister of Labor, Social Welfare and Migration; Gulsharkan Kultaeva, a member of Parliament; and Sonata N. Coulter from the U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic.
"Crisis centers around the world are vital safe spaces for victims of domestic violence," stated Sonata N. Coulter during her opening remarks. She emphasized that survivors will receive psychological, social, legal, and economic support under this initiative.
The funding will enhance legal and psychological services at these centers while promoting collaboration between government entities and civil society to ensure services meet national standards effectively addressing survivors' needs.
Janyl Alybaeva highlighted that combating gender-based violence is a key area of state policy in her speech: "As part of the implementation of the National Development Program of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2026," she said efforts would focus on improving protective mechanisms against domestic violence and supporting vulnerable families.
A significant component involves helping crisis centers achieve sustainability through business initiatives like sewing shops or laundry services that could offer employment opportunities for women affected by violence.
This initiative will be carried out via two USAID projects—Jigerduu Jarandar and Enterprise Competitiveness Project—in collaboration with governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Labor, Social Welfare, and Migration along with other partners.
According to data from 2021 by the Kyrgyz Republic Ministry of Internal Affairs there were 10,151 reported cases of domestic violence—a rise by 12 percent compared to 2020—though experts believe many incidents remain unreported.
For further details contact Dinara Akmatbekova at +996 550 206652 or Dakmatbekova@fhi360.org; Zhyldyz Niyazalieva can also be reached at +996 554 778594 or ZNiiazalieva@ecp-kyrgyzstan.org.