More than 100 media representatives took part in the quiz "Safe Kyrgyzstan for Women and Girls"

18 teams of representatives from the blogging community, press service, civil sector, women and youth organizations discussed issues of violence against women and children.

On the evening of October 13, in Bishkek, as part of the Spotlight Initiative, a Quiz Night was held on the theme of “Safe Kyrgyzstan for Women and Girls”. The event was held with the support of the United Nations Development Program and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) as part of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative.

More than 100 participants tested their knowledge on the topic, including representatives of the media (24.kg, Kaktus. Azattyk), blogging community, press service workers, representatives of the civil sector, women's and youth organizations (Crisis Center "Chance", Women's Democratic Network, Association of Crisis Centers), non-profit government organizations, the academic corps represented by the Faculty of Journalism of the Kyrgyz National University.

Questions focused on changes to the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure, the role and participation of women in politics and changes in established norms.

The event helped to raise awareness among journalists and activists about the importance of joint coordinated work to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. The media plays a key role in reducing domestic violence against girls and women, in shaping the right values ​​of today's society and in informing decision-makers about the current challenges of women and girls.

In Kyrgyzstan, the legislation does not adequately and effectively protect the rights of women and girls. A woman does not find support in the state and is under pressure from society, manipulation by relatives and often without financial power. In particular, the issue of creating a safe environment for the development of girls is lacking.

At the opening, there was a performance from the Living Statues Child Protection Center, which showed the problems faced by girls in Kyrgyzstan. In particular, early marriages and abduction of girls for the purpose of forced marriage, stereotypes regarding the choice of professions and hobbies among girls, and the choice between education and the need to build a family.

About the joint EU-UN Spotlight Initiative

In January 2020, in partnership with the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the EU and the UN launched a multi-year country program under the global Spotlight Initiative to end all forms of violence against women and girls. The goal of the program is to create an environment where all women and girls in Kyrgyzstan, especially the most vulnerable, live free from violence and harmful practices, including child marriage and ala kachuu. The program includes a set of integrated measures in the field of policy and legislation, strengthening institutions, preventing violence, providing services to victims of violence, collecting quality data and supporting the women's movement and civil society. The program is implemented by five UN agencies (UN Women, UNFPA, UNDP, UNICEF and UNODC) under the overall supervision of the UN Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic.