OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek participated in 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence

The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek organized a series of lectures aimed at raising awareness about the consequences and criminal liability of bride kidnapping within the worldwide campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. 

The lectures started on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and concluded on 10 December, the International Human Rights Day.

Over a thousand young boys and girls from universities across the country participated in these lectures, which helped them deepen their understanding of the impact bride kidnapping has on the lives of victims and raised their awareness about punishment for this crime. The lectures were conducted by gender experts in five cities of Karakol, Naryn, Osh, Djalal-Abad and Talas.

“After listening to your lecture on ala kachuu [bride kidnapping] I think that it is the men that should get together and decide not to kidnap women for marriage anymore,” said Bakyt, a 19-year-old male student from the northern city of Karakol adding.

The Programme Office in Bishkek’s participation in the 16 Days of Activism also included distribution of information on gender-based violence in schools, health centres, post offices, markets, shops, beauty salons, throughout Kyrgyzstan, particularly in rural areas.