Kyrgyzstan: Veteran Activist Fights for Women’s Rights & Violence Prevention

Kyrgyzstan’s Long Road to Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence

For over three decades, Bübyusara Ryskulova has dedicated her life to assisting women and children who have experienced violence. As the honorary president of Sezim – a crisis center meaning “feeling” in Kyrgyz – she’s witnessed firsthand the evolution of support systems for domestic violence survivors in Kyrgyzstan. While the country has made considerable strides in strengthening legal protections, significant challenges remain in ensuring access to justice and comprehensive care. Ryskulova shared her insights during the recent Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) at UN Headquarters in New York, a gathering of representatives from over 100 nations focused on women’s rights and access to justice.

Ryskulova’s journey began somewhat unexpectedly. Inspired by a 1998 exchange program to the United States, where she observed functioning support systems for domestic violence victims, she returned home determined to replicate those models. “I saw for the first time how a support system actually functions,” she explained, noting the novelty of even discussing such issues openly in Kyrgyzstan at the time. “Back home, no one even talked about these issues out loud.” Despite the initial shock of encountering a completely new field – learning what a public organization or NGO even was – she immediately recognized the depth of the problem within her own country.

A System Built From the Ground Up

The Sezim crisis center was founded in 1998, representing one of the first attempts to address domestic violence in the region. In those early days, simply getting people to utilize the newly launched hotline proved tricky. “When we opened the hotline, we just sat there waiting. Will anyone call? And for a long time, no one did,” Ryskulova recalled. The first call was a turning point, launching her into a role she was largely unprepared for, but one she embraced with unwavering commitment.

The progress made since then is undeniable, though not without its complexities. While Kyrgyzstan adopted a law on family violence in 2003 – becoming one of the first post-Soviet countries to do so, with updates in 2017 – implementation remains a hurdle. Ryskulova emphasizes the importance of on-the-ground operate, providing direct protection to individuals through the center’s shelter and legal support. She and her team now frequently represent survivors in court, leveraging a legal provision allowing representation via power of attorney even without formal legal training.

Navigating Cultural and Religious Sensitivities

Ryskulova acknowledges the cultural and religious factors that can complicate efforts to address domestic violence. She notes a rise in religious observance in the 1990s, sometimes leading to interpretations that hinder progress on women’s rights. “In the village where I’m from, there is one school and two mosques. So, talking about violence can still be hard and in some areas of women’s rights, there has been a certain rollback,” she stated. This sensitivity requires a nuanced approach, balancing legal frameworks with cultural understanding.

Addressing Complex Crimes Like Sexual Slavery

International collaboration has been crucial in building Kyrgyzstan’s capacity to respond to domestic violence, particularly in addressing complex crimes like sexual slavery. Ryskulova credits the International Organization for Migration (IOM) with introducing her to the concept of sexual slavery and facilitating the establishment of a dedicated hotline. She recounted a particularly harrowing case involving an underage pregnant girl who expressed suicidal ideation, requiring round-the-clock support from Sezim staff.

The Role of UN Partnerships

Today, Sezim continues to collaborate with UN agencies, including the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and UN Women, to share expertise, train specialists, and implement joint projects. Ryskulova views platforms like the Commission on the Status of Women as invaluable opportunities to learn from global best practices and identify areas for improvement within Kyrgyzstan’s system.

What Remains to Be Done

Despite the progress, Ryskulova stresses that the work is far from over. She emphasizes the importance of both preventative measures, such as seminars and training, and continued direct support for survivors. “If even one person who has suffered remains without protection, then we still haven’t done everything we must,” she asserts. The ongoing effort to build a comprehensive and effective system for supporting survivors of domestic violence in Kyrgyzstan requires sustained commitment, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by those seeking help.