Alina Ilnitskaya, a changemaker from Kazakhstan, provides critical support to women and girls who have suffered from sexual violence.

Her path to civic engagement is rooted in her own deeply personal experiences. “As a child, I was sexually abused. Between the ages of 10 and 12, I couldn’t fully grasp what was happening to me, so I convinced myself it was happening to someone else and that I was merely an observer,” she recounts.

It took Alina many years to feel ready to seek professional help and discuss her experiences. “Survivors of violence frequently battle not only with feelings of shame and guilt but also with denial,” she explains. Convincing ourselves that everything is okay is a coping mechanism that helps us move forward, yet it signifies the silent struggle many survivors endure.”

Alina has now dedicated her professional life to fighting against intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence, and to supporting sexual violence survivors throughout Central Asia. One of her key initiatives is Būlbūl, an Instagram channel and Telegram chatbot.

“Our project’s name, Būlbūl, is deeply rooted in the Greek myth of Philomela and carries profound significance for us. The myth tells the story of Philomela, who, after being subjected to sexual violence and silenced by the king Tereus, found a way to reveal what she went through to her sister, Procne, through a woven tapestry. Their story ends with the gods transforming Philomela into a nightingale, a bird that sings with a beautiful voice, despite having lost her ability to speak,” explains Alina. “In Kazakh, ‘Būlbūl’ means nightingale, symbolizing the power of overcoming silence and giving voice to those who have been silenced by violence. Just like Philomela, our project aims to empower survivors of sexual violence to share their stories and find support, embodying the spirit of resilience and the ability to ‘sing’ despite all odds.”

Recognizing that victims of sexual violence often endure their experiences in silence, Būlbūl offers a transformative approach to support. The initiative, launched with help from Eurasia Foundation’s Social Innovation in Central Asia (SICA) program, leverages the power of technology through a no-contact digital tool: a Telegram bot powered by artificial intelligence, named Bulka (@BulBulTg_bot).

Bulka provides survivors with a confidential, contactless platform for psychological self-help, guiding them through their healing journey with personalized conversation, advice, and educational materials. The AI chatbot is accessible in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and includes country-specific resources and contact information for hotlines and crisis centers. Because the chatbot is anonymous and free, it functions as a safe space for survivors to express their emotions and seek help. Importantly, it reaches survivors who might otherwise hesitate to seek help due to stigma or cost.

The chatbot launched on February 10, 2024, and within a month had become a sanctuary for more than 200 users.

“With an alarming 17% of women and girls [in Central Asia] experiencing physical and/or sexual violence from their intimate partner, the urgency for effective support mechanisms like this is undeniable,” says Alina. “Bulka is not just about providing assistance; it’s about enlightenment, prevention, and community building.”

On Instagram, Būlbūl’s content focuses on awareness-raising and rights education. The channel hosts training sessions on preventive measures and shares survivor testimonies that inspire and strengthen. It addresses the cultural context of the Central Asian states, where patriarchal norms and insufficient legal frameworks for harassment add layers of complexity to the issue of sexual violence. By disseminating information and educational materials that condemn violence and support survivors, the team aims to shift public opinion and foster a safer environment for all.

“It has been two months since the assault, but only now am I beginning to move beyond attempts to rationalize or deny the experience,” shares one survivor. “Unsure of whom to share my concerns with, I turn to Bulka. It’s such a relief to have my feelings acknowledged as real.”

By blending innovative technology with a deep understanding of the cultural and psychological aspects of sexual abuse, Būlbūl is not only aiding individuals in their healing journeys but also challenging societal norms and cultivating community.

“The Būlbūl-Bulka project was born out of my understanding of how challenging it can be to reach out for help,” says Alina. “It was created because I believe everyone deserves help.” Būlbūl envisions a future where survivors can regain their voices, free from fear and stigma.

The post Changemaker Combats Cultures of Silence to Support Survivors of Sexual Violence in Central Asia appeared first on Eurasia Foundation.

During these challenging times, when food and necessities were scarce, Vladislav’s mother placed him in an orphanage, believing it was the best way to ensure he received the care and resources he needed. After spending several years there, Vladislav eventually returned home, reuniting with his mother and continuing his education. However, as he grew older and completed his schooling, Vladislav felt drawn back to the world of children’s homes, this time from a different perspective. He began volunteering with an NGO dedicated to supporting the children living in these institutions. Reflecting on this period, he explains that his decision was driven by a mix of curiosity and a deep connection to his past: “I agreed to work with the NGO out of curiosity, wanting to see how things had changed and partly out of nostalgia for my time there.”

Through this volunteer work, Vladislav reconnected with the environment that had shaped much of his early life. He saw firsthand how these institutions had evolved and how the children were being cared for. This experience not only allowed him to give back but also helped him process and understand his own journey.

For Vladislav, social entrepreneurship was the path forward. “In our district, Belye Vody, sanitation was always a problem. People would throw garbage everywhere. We had Soviet-era concrete trash bins, and although they’re still around, things have improved somewhat. I realized I wanted to make a real impact,” Vladislav recalls.

After five years of dedicated start-up work, Vladislav launched Generation, an organization focused on extracting reusable materials from recycled waste and turning a profit in Aksukent, a town outside Shymkent. This led to the creation of Eco Cashback, a program wherein Aksukent residents earn money by recycling and sorting their household waste. Initially met with skepticism, the project gained traction as villagers began to see the financial benefits.

Seeking to further develop the initiative, Vladislav connected with Eurasia Foundation’s Social Innovation in Central Asia (SICA) program. In 2019, he won his first grant, dedicated to institutional development. With these funds, Vladislav upgraded his office equipment and streamlined operations. This grant marked a turning point: Vladislav now had the resources he needed to enhance workflows and operational efficiency.

Under the guidance of SICA experts, Vladislav secured a Social Idea Accelerator Grant, allowing him to further scale up operations with new equipment and optimized processes. He began work on digitalizing Eco Cashback, laying the groundwork for a mobile application that would later become a key component of the initiative. This grant also helped him refine the focus of his NGO, envisioning it as a potential social enterprise.

As Eco Cashback grew, Vladislav secured a third grant from SICA in 2022, enabling the project to expand its target demographic. Initially focused on socially vulnerable, low-income individuals in search of extra earnings, Eco Cashback began to attract people with moderate incomes, local entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals.

Eco Cashback’s impact is evident economically, socially, and environmentally. Participants save money on essential resources while adopting more responsible behaviors, particularly in waste management.

One Eco Cashback initiative is a barter shop where people experiencing food insecurity can exchange recyclable materials for food.  At the barter shop, residents can also exchange food waste for compost, benefiting local agriculture and creating a circular economy.

To improve village cleanliness and increase waste collection, the project places recycling boxes throughout Aksukent and hosts regular community cleanup events. In doing so, the local landfill has shrunk. The community is now engaged in environmental activities and cultivating a culture of recycling and sustainability.

Vladislav new focus is expanding Eco Cashback’s reach. He recently participated in a business development program in the United States and transitioned his approach from grant-seeking to social entrepreneurship. This shift has marked a new phase for Vladislav, as he looks to expand the project’s influence beyond Aksukent to the broader Turkestan region.

As the Eco Cashback team transitions from a public association to a social enterprise, their focus has shifted toward commercialization.  “As a leader, I aspire to expand beyond our borders and establish branches in neighboring Central Asian countries because I am passionate about this business,” says Vladislav.

Most recently, Eco Cashback launched a mobile app, available on both the Apple Store and Google Play. Through this app, users can conveniently sell their recyclables from home, reshaping societal perceptions of waste and promoting environmental stewardship. The app is propelling Eco Cashback toward commercial success.

The app is emblematic of Vladislav’s current focus on digitalization and green budgeting, or the use of budgetary policymaking to help achieve financial stability and cleaner communities. “Eighty percent of our earnings go directly to residents; we retain only 20% for our company. Residents decide [themselves] how to allocate these funds, empowering them to address local challenges autonomously. This concept of the green budget is something I explored in America, where each state independently manages economic activities. We aim to promote greater awareness of green budgeting among our people,” concludes Vladislav.

To read more about Vladislav, and hear his story in his own words, click here.

The post Championing Entrepreneurship in Southern Kazakhstan appeared first on Eurasia Foundation.

As part of this project, Mirzo volunteered as a public defender in 16 court cases under the framework of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Public Control. This law allows public organizations and independent changemakers like Mirzo to participate in legal proceedings as champions for citizens’ rights, ensuring that the courts operate fairly and transparently. By exercising his rights under this law, Mirzo supported citizens whose rights were in question without the need for them to hire private legal representation.

Mirzo’s free legal representation has yielded favorable outcomes for his pro bono clients in cases ranging from defamation and fraud to smuggling and abuse of office. These successes demonstrate the power of independent public defenders in the legal system. “A major reason for human rights violations is the lack of awareness about rights and where to seek help,” Mirzo explains. “Many people believe that only those with power or connections can demand their rights and seek justice. We have proven time and again that this is not the case.”

One of Mirzo’s most notable successes involved the case of Shokhrukh Rofiyev, a student expelled from Samarkand State University under the false pretense of organizing public unrest in Tashkent. Mirzo and his colleagues at Ezgulik, the human rights CSO he leads, successfully petitioned the appellate court. The court reinstated Shokhrukh and, in the process, exposed the expulsion as an act of personal hostility from university leadership.

Another notable case involved two tourists whose gold jewelry worth over 140 million UZS (approximately 12,000 USD) was confiscated by Uzbekistan’s immigration services, allegedly for exceeding the permitted limit. The tourists contacted Ezgulik for help recovering the jewelry. Mirzo and his team brought the matter to the Samarkand Regional Court, which declared the decision to confiscate the jewelry illegal.

“Around the world, citizens’ rights are violated for many reasons—whether due to bureaucratic errors, abuse of power by authorities, or incompetence. Demanding your rights and the involvement of independent human rights defenders are crucial for building a just society,” says Mirzo.

Ezgulik has also been active in training other public organizations to defend people’s rights. Recently, representatives from the regions of Andijan, Navoi, Jizzakh, Kashkadarya, and Tashkent attended Ezgulik workshops on international human rights standards and mechanisms of laws of Uzbekistan. These sessions, led by international experts, resulted in the creation of two comprehensive manuals on the protection of human rights based on the UN system and Uzbekistan’s laws.

In addition to these efforts, Ezgulik launched an outreach campaign in collaboration with partner media outlets, generating over 1 million views on YouTube alone. The campaign shared ongoing cases and raised awareness about citizens’ right to freedom of association.

One of the campaign’s most high-profile moments was its coverage of a lawsuit challenging the legality of a resolution from the Cabinet of Ministers. The law introduced a controversial electricity consumption standard of 200 kWh per month per family. Ezgulik argued that this standard violated the rights of some consumer groups, including their right to health and basic social security. “Citizens have the right to demand transparency and accountability from government agencies, and that was made clear through the widespread media attention this case received,” says Mirzo. “Although the court ruled in favor of the government, we believe that our outreach campaign achieved part of its goal by demonstrating the power of citizen participation.”

Despite this ruling, Mirzo and his team remain committed to challenging the resolution and continuing to champion the rights of Uzbekistan’s citizens, energized by the support of Eurasia Foundation and the community’s growing awareness of their rights.

The post Championing Vulnerable People in Uzbekistan appeared first on Eurasia Foundation.

Fidokor, a Dushanbe-based NGO, is addressing this issue by forming women’s mutual aid groups to collectively address and prevent violence and stigma. With support from Eurasia Foundation’s Social Innovation in Central Asia (SICA) program, Fikodor launched the groups in Tajikistan’s Levakanda, Vakhsh, Jami, and Kushanian districts.

Rustam Bakhriddinov, Fidokor’s project coordinator, took up this mission after first noticing how abuse against women impacts their children’s learning in the classroom: “I was a literature and foreign language teacher and witnessed how children and wives of migrants faced stigma and violence. Women had to assume the roles of a mother and a father, raise children, take care of the husband’s parents, manage the household, and work. This had a negative impact on children’s learning, self-esteem, and integration into society. It destroyed family prosperity.”

Fidokor believes in and works to increase women’s agency. “Creating women’s groups is a long-standing dream [for us],” shares Rustam.

Within Fidokor-supported mutual aid groups, women, men, religious leaders, and others listen to and uplift women’s voices. Group members work reciprocally, supporting one another to better support women by providing shelter, peer counseling, and community outreach.

Currently, the project facilitates four groups in Levakanda, Vakhsh, Jami, and Kushanian districts. In partnership with local mahalla (neighborhood) committees and the Public Councils for Public Order under the Department of Internal Affairs, 47 women have received legal, social, and economic aid.

“All four groups have successfully signed memorandums of understanding with district community councils, ensuring that the work of women’s groups is sustainable in the long term,” says Rustam. “As part of the project, women received free consultations from a lawyer, guidance on canceling their husbands’ loan burdens, and professional advancement courses.”

The life-changing impact of these groups is evident in 46-year-old Omina’s (name changed) case. Omina’s husband moved abroad and remarried, neglecting his wife and six children back home. Meanwhile, his relatives laid claim to Omina’s house, and his mother gave birth to a child with disabilities. Omina suddenly found herself the sole breadwinner for both her family and her husband’s family.

A Fidokor mutual aid group supported Omina during this time of crisis. Thanks to established cooperation with local officials, a police officer intervened to curtail any attempts by the husband’s relatives to seize the house. A local farmer also allocated a greenhouse to Omina and helped with seeding material and fertilizers. Omina was then able to grow crops and sell the surplus for profit, supplementing the family income.

With the first profit from these crop sales, Omina purchased educational supplies for three of her children in a few months. The group also helped connect Omina’s mother-in-law’s child with a group that assists children with disabilities.

Looking toward the future, Fidokor plans to strengthen the women’s mutual aid groups through skill-building courses about project design and implementation, mentorship, and methodological support. All four groups are already applying for independent funding to ensure their financial sustainability. “I strive to ensure the sustainability of the organization so that our activities continue,” says Rustam. “Self-unification of women to protect rights and improve life is crucial.”

The post Supporting Women through Mutual Aid Groups in Tajikistan appeared first on Eurasia Foundation.

Gorozhanym’s journey began nearly a decade ago with the launch of “This Yard,” an initiative that aimed to revitalize neighborhoods through environmental and creative activities, particularly by engaging children. The project centered on eco-education, training, and collaborative public space improvement, laying the groundwork for a more connected and engaged community. Building on its initial success, “This Yard” spawned “Neighborhood Theater,” which sought to bring people together by creating public art spaces, such as stages, and promoting cultural practices. These efforts aimed to address the city’s monocentric nature, fostering a more varied and participatory urban landscape.

As Alesya Nugayeva explains: “Our evolution into Gorozhanym, the name of which essentially blends two words—gorod (Russian: “city”) and zhanym (Kazakh:  “my soul”) marked the start of our mission to empower residents’ rights to the city and actively involve them in urban processes.” Over time, Gorozhanym became an official institution dedicated to community activation, support, and research in urbanism and sociology.

In 2021, Gorozhanym received a crucial grant from SICA to tackle Almaty’s environmental challenges. Despite its scenic location, Almaty struggles with severe environmental issues, including high air pollution due to infill development and urban planning flaws. Supported by the SICA grant, Gorozhanym conducted research revealing that nearly one-third of Almaty’s residents prioritized environmental concerns over other urban issues. This led Gorozhanym to create an innovative online quiz game to help users identify and address common environmental problems.

“The quiz attracted over 1,000 users in its first week, providing practical solutions and feedback,” notes Alesya.

In 2023, Gorozhanym secured a second SICA grant to launch a project focused on cultivating an urban ecosystem that encourages residential participation and public space development under the principle of “nothing for the community without the community.” The team secured city approval for new community engagement regulations and published Korpe, a comprehensive guide to Almaty’s urban communities and their transformative projects. The book, featuring insights from community development and urban experts, explores urban community values and the importance of public spaces. It marks a significant step in forming an expert community on crucial urban topics.

Expanding on these foundational efforts, Gorozhanym turned its attention to understanding and enhancing social environments within the city known as “third places”—that is, areas outside of home, work, or school that are crucial for socialization, relaxation, and community building. This exploration led to the development of an interactive city map titled “Map of Third Places/Murders/Kisses.” The map invites residents to explore places tied to significant memories: “murders,” symbolizing locations associated with loss or conflict, and “kisses,” marking spots tied to affection or personal milestones.

Recognizing the essential role these third places play in integrating newcomers and addressing urban challenges, the team continued to innovate. They launched an educational podcast called “Communata,” focusing on active citizen involvement in community life. Since launch, the podcast has significantly boosted Gorozhanym’s social media presence, broadening the reach and impact of Gorozhanym’s initiatives by 64%.

These collective efforts culminated in the formation of an expert urbanist community that played a key role in drafting amendments to Almaty’s building code and proposals to update Kazakhstan’s Law on Local Self-Governance. As Alesya explains, “The law regulates public relations in local self-governance, defining the legal status, organization, and financial-economic foundations of local government in cities, towns, villages, and rural districts.” The drafting process is ongoing, with various groups continuing to offer their versions and revisions, but the groundwork laid by Gorozhanym has already had a profound impact on the city’s future.

Together, Alesya and her peers are championing a more inclusive approach to urban development and governance in Almaty.

The post Redefining Civic Engagement as City Engagement in Almaty appeared first on Eurasia Foundation.

This law was partly brought to life by the Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law (BHR), an organization led by Nargis Zokirova. With support from Eurasia Foundation’s Social Innovation in Central Asia (SICA) program, the BHR team helped draft the law, organized a study tour to Moldova for members of the legal working group, and hosted public hearings to ensure community voices were heard. These efforts have ensured that the law will meet the needs of local NGOs, overcome legislative hurdles, and advance social entrepreneurship throughout Tajikistan.

“Our organization has a long-standing relationship with the Parliament of Tajikistan, particularly with Jamshed Murtazozoda, who leads the working group for the law,” shares Nargis. “In 2023, we presented our work at Eurasia Foundation’s International Conference on Social Entrepreneurship in Dushanbe. During the event, Murtazozoda emphasized the need for a dedicated law on social entrepreneurship. Shortly after, we secured a grant from Eurasia Foundation, allowing us to make this vision a reality.”

To track the project’s progress, the team developed a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system. This approach ensured transparent results through different mechanisms such as tracking events, evaluating outcomes, and overseeing finances.

In March 2024, the working group, along with representatives of government bodies, public organizations, and international stakeholders, convened for a roundtable discussion on the draft law. The urgency of such legislation was clear: NGOs in Tajikistan often face challenges in engaging in entrepreneurial activities due to unclear regulations and limited resources. The new law will address these obstacles, creating an environment where social enterprises can thrive and make a lasting impact.

As the law nears finalization, expected by the end of 2024, its implementation promises to bring transformative change to Tajikistan. “This law aligns with Tajikistan’s National Development Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals. It provides a sustainable path for NGOs, allowing them to better serve their communities and create a stronger, more robust society,” says Nargis. With the passage of this law, Tajikistan is set to unlock the potential of social enterprises, offering hope and new opportunities to its most vulnerable citizens. The legislation on social entrepreneurship encourages innovative solutions to the country’s social challenges, stimulates local economic growth, and enhances integration by creating new job opportunities for vulnerable groups, such as low-income individuals, people with disabilities, and formerly incarcerated persons.

The post New Law on Social Entrepreneurship Set to Strengthen Vulnerable Communities in Tajikistan appeared first on Eurasia Foundation.

A pivotal moment for Mukhammed was joining the Central Asia Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA), a key initiative of Eurasia Foundation’s Social Innovation in Central Asia (SICA) program. There, Mukhammed connected with like-minded young people from across Central Asia and accessed resources on project management, fundraising, communications, and awareness-raising initiatives—all of which would shape his future projects.

In 2023, Mukhammed secured a SICA grant to launch Jańasha Kózqaras (Karakalpak: “New Look”), a project aimed at revitalizing the National Museum Named after Igor Savitsky in Nukus. Often referred to as the “Louvre in the Desert,” the Savitsky Museum holds a unique collection of over 10,000 pieces of Karakalpak, Uzbek, Kazakh, and Turkmen folk art, as well as a vast archaeological collection reaching back to the Bronze Age. The museum is also famous for its rare collection of avant-garde art from the early 20th century, which survived Soviet censorship and now draws international recognition. However, despite its world-class collection and reputation, the Savitsky Museum has struggled to engage local youth.

With Jańasha Kózqaras, Mukhammed sought to form a community of young ambassadors from various regions of Uzbekistan to promote the museum through dynamic and interactive methods. Central to this effort was “Past-Present-Future,” an activity that encouraged participants to deeply explore the museum’s offerings. In the “Past,” they studied the historical context of the museum and its collections; in the “Present,” they analyzed the museum’s current relevance, challenges, and accomplishments; and in the “Future,” they brainstormed creative ways to promote the museum and ensure its lasting influence.

The Jańasha Kózqaras ambassadors, many of whom are young creatives and aspiring artists, participated in immersive excursions, in-depth lectures, and hands-on masterclasses to gain a comprehensive understanding of the museum’s significance. Armed with this knowledge, they initiated their own projects to increase public awareness of the museum, led guided tours, and even contributed to the restoration of exhibits. Together, these efforts made the museum experience more dynamic and accessible to younger generations. The ambassadors also organized five educational events in Tashkent, Nukus, and Namangan in Uzbekistan, and in Ufa, Russia. At these events, ambassadors connected with the Karakalpak diaspora and promoted the Savitsky Museum.

In Tashkent, participants also organized an Art Day that included collage workshops, a screening of The Passion of Igor Savitsky, and a discussion with esteemed filmmaker Ali Khamraev. Meanwhile, in Nukus and Ufa, renowned art historian and director of the State Museum of Oriental Art in Moscow, Tigran Mkrtychev, joined the events online to share his expertise. In Namangan, the group formed a Friends of the Savitsky Museum Club and developed art board- and floor-games, the first of their kind in Uzbekistan. The games are designed to educate players about the museum and its history. To further amplify their impact, the team created a dedicated social media page to document their activities and raise awareness about the museum’s rich cultural heritage.

“Jańasha Kózqaras broadened my perspective on the vibrant art and cultural heritage of Karakalpakstan,” says Shirin Samatova, a project participant and artist. “I met young people from all over Uzbekistan who, like me, are passionate about art and proud of our heritage.”

Building upon the successes of Jańasha Kózqaras, Mukhammed launched the Tulepbergen Kaipbergenov Foundation in honor of his grandfather. In collaboration with Savitsky Museum management and Jańasha Kózqaras participants, the foundation developed recommendations for formally integrating the Jańasha Kózqaras ambassador community into decision-making processes related to art and culture. The foundation then submitted these recommendations to the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, which has shown interest in collaborating with the community to shape future initiatives.

The foundation is also actively engaging with Uzbekistan’s Agency for Cultural Heritage to explore long-term strategies for fostering community growth and sustaining outreach for the Savitsky Museum. “Our museum’s treasures are more frequently showcased abroad than here in Nukus, where they truly belong. Through this project, we are not only preserving our heritage but bringing it back to the people of Karakalpakstan and Uzbekistan,” observes Mukhammed. “It’s about ensuring that future generations connect with the rich cultural legacy they might not otherwise know much about.”

The post Uniting Youth to Promote Karakalpakstan’s Artistic Heritage appeared first on Eurasia Foundation.

Zhenskii Luch, led by Oksana Volkova-Mikhalskaya, has been working to prevent domestic violence since 2018. In 2022, with SICA support, Zhenskii Luch trained crisis center specialists in the Aqmola region to work individually with both survivors and aggressors. This approach had not been widely used in the region before.

Building upon this work, Zhenskii Luch next began offering psychological sessions for aggressors held in temporary detention centers in the Aqmola region. “Previously, psychologists were not allowed into detention centers,” explains Natalya Shavrova, a practicing psychologist and the organization’s project coordinator. “This practice of allowing psychologists into detention centers was first implemented in Kazakhstan within our project, and it has proven to be effective.”

During these sessions, psychologists consulted aggressors and offered them information about free psychological services available after their release. “It’s very important during the initial consultation in detention centers to engage the person, to do everything possible so that they themselves want to come to us for a secondary consultation,” Natalya explains. “For us, it was important not just to show up, fill out paperwork, and count the number of consultations held, but to genuinely involve the person in the process of change and show that through therapy, they can break out of this cycle.” Natalya’s observations proved correct: data showed that many aggressors, after their release, chose to continue therapy voluntarily.

Following this project’s success, Zhenskii Luch secured 29 million KZT (approximately 63,800 USD) in additional funding from the Civil Initiatives Support Center, a government agency under the Ministry of Culture and Information. This funding allowed the organization to expand its model to the regions of East Kazakhstan, Karaganda, Almaty, and the city of Astana.

One significant outcome of this expansion was the unification of crisis centers across the four regions of operation, which allows for a more coordinated response to domestic violence across the country. This unification strengthened the support network for both survivors and aggressors, ensuring that more individuals receive the help they need.

The new law, which came into effect in June 2024, incorporated several of Zhenskii Luch’s recommendations, including mandatory psychological interventions for aggressors. The law also enhanced support systems for families and increased penalties for domestic violence, reflecting the comprehensive approach championed by Zhenskii Luch.

“The adoption of these legislative changes is the result of the coordinated work of a large number of people,” Oksana adds. “We participated in working groups on this issue, and these numerous meetings collectively produced results.”

Looking ahead, Zhenskii Luch plans to continue its work to ensure the effective implementation of the new law and sustain the progress made in recent years. This includes ongoing training for crisis center specialists, expanding psychological services for aggressors, and advocating for further legislative reforms. “There are many nuances in psychological counseling for aggressors,” Natalya reflects. “It’s very important to keep engaging them, to show that there is a way out of the cycle of violence.”

One challenge that remains is the shortage of male psychologists willing to work in crisis centers and detention centers. “The fact that the overwhelming majority of psychologists are women creates problems, as it is easier for male aggressors to establish contact if the psychologist is a man,” Natalya acknowledges. Addressing this gap is a priority for Zhenskii Luch as they continue to refine their approach and expand their reach.

The post Paving the Way for Legislative Reforms to Combat Domestic Violence in Kazakhstan appeared first on Eurasia Foundation.

In response to this need, the Expert Independent Research Institute (EIRI), with the support of Eurasia Foundation’s Social Innovation in Central Asia (SICA) program, launched a project to combat torture of Kazakhstanis by state law enforcement agencies. The team created an educational website and a series of free videos that have helped more than 5,000 victims of torture find step-by-step procedures to protect their rights. EIRA also conducted workshops and roundtables for law enforcement officials that received public recognition and more than 20 media mentions.

“It all started with wide public outcry that emerged after the January events, when much evidence of torture appeared in the media,” says Mirkhat Serikbayev, the project’s coordinator. “Among 5,000 protesters who were arrested by police, many, apparently, were tortured, but there are no exact figures, as people were afraid of voicing their complaints. We wanted to offer help, so my colleagues and I started conducting live social media broadcasts on how to document torture and help victims and their relatives bring cases to the court and international attention.”

Responses to the social media series made the team realize many torture victims were in acute need of psychological and legal guidance. “What we needed was a platform gathering all the relevant information the victims of torture might find useful,” says Mirkhat.

The team embarked on a search for international support and submitted an application for SICA’s Innovative Solutions Grant, a funding opportunity that promotes public initiatives aimed at fostering positive change. The grant from SICA allowed the EIRI team to create a website that offers free help for torture survivors. Through the project’s website, PytkamNet.kz, victims can access a legal database, request free psychological and legal assistance, and view video tutorials. Tutorials systematically outline how to document instances of torture and file complaints with local and international organizations. The site aims to signal to victims of torture who remain silent that there are international organizations, activists, and legal experts ready to help them achieve justice.

“The approach we take involves collaborating with both parties involved in the conflict. Our primary goal is to offer sufficient assistance to those who have suffered from torture and inform them about possible avenues for seeking redress for their rights violations,” explains Mirkhat. “At the same time, we recognize the importance of working with law enforcement officials to raise awareness that the use of illicit investigation techniques, such as torture, could lead to severe repercussions for their professional careers.”

According to Mirkhat, the team faced struggled with the stark reality of the statistics on torture cases. Anara Ibraeva, a project member, revealed that there were only 25 verdicts for torture cases against police officers in 2020, five in 2021, and two or three in 2022 despite a consistent number of complaints. “The decreasing trend in the number of verdicts on torture cases every year is alarming, as it actually encourages police officers to use torture and disregard the law,” Mirkhat adds.

To combat this issue, the team organized a workshop for 50 law enforcement officials. The workshop, led by human rights activists, lawyers, and advocates, included representatives of the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ombudsman for Human Rights, and the Coalition Against Torture. The session included role-playing exercises that randomly assigned police officers to the roles of “interrogators” and “suspects.” The former questioned the latter using manipulative language. According to Mirkhat, the session provided police officers with the opportunity to step into the shoes of the suspects and understand firsthand the brutal nature of interrogation and torture. “Some of the participants told us that the workshop was ‘mind-changing’ for them,” he notes. “In fact, we were able to convey to them that nobody is immune to persecution, including police officers themselves.”

EIRI now counts the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ombudsman for Human Rights, and the Coalition Against Torture among its key partners. Together, they are promoting a coordinated and multi-faceted approach to tackling the issue of torture, a crucial step toward success.

Furthermore, promisingly, with new legislative acts in place, EIRI’s efforts are now synchronized with Kazakhstan’s evolving stance on police misconduct. In March 2023, parliament passed a law mandating that police officers must record interrogations on video. Additionally, the law transferred the management of prison medical units from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health. The Prosecutor General’s Office now oversees cases of police misuse of power. “Previously, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which also oversaw the police, was the main body responsible for inspecting cases of torture and the quality of prison medical units,” explains Mirkhat. “Clearly, when a single body inspects itself, there may be reluctance to prosecute one’s own colleagues. Now that these responsibilities have been transferred to other bodies, there are reasons to believe that positive changes will start to take place.”

“We often forget that there are people on all sides of the conflict. In order to effectively address the issue, we must actively engage in dialogue with both sides,” Mirkhat emphasizes. “Our mission is to combat the use of torture by law enforcement agencies and hold them accountable. I am committed to making a positive change in the situation.”

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Throughout high school and university, Nasiba was determined to develop her own skills and positively contribute to her community. Understanding the salience of practical experience, Nasiba secured an internship in the civil sector while working toward her graduate degree. After the internship came a full-time job, which offered Nasiba valuable insights in the field of community development. “It was during this enriching period that I realized I want to extend these experiences to the youth in my hometown,” Nasiba recalls. After receiving her master’s degree in social sciences in 2022, Nasiba returned to Karnak eager to use these newfound skills and knowledge to the benefit of her hometown.

In 2023, Nasiba enrolled in the Central Asia Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA) under Eurasia Foundation’s Social Innovation in Central Asia (SICA) project, funded by USAID. Nasiba dedicated her time in CAYLA to enhancing self-development opportunities for Karnak’s youth. After researching and assessing the needs of children and youth in her native village, Nasiba compiled her findings into an analytical report.

This report informed the design of Nasiba’s ambitious social project, “Enhancing the Potential of the Youth of Karnak Village for the Development of Civic Leadership.” With a Young Civic Leader Scholarship from SICA, she launched a series of training sessions to engage Karnak’s youth in sustainable community development, youth civic engagement, volunteering, and more. Participants developed real-world skills in project management, effective communication strategies, and teamwork. Beyond skill development, these training sessions elevated the participants’ confidence as changemakers and community leaders.

“Trainers from Almaty and Shymkent had a profound impact on the children, imparting valuable knowledge and insights to them. This experience proved transformative for the children, altering their perspectives and attitudes towards life. It was the first time our village had hosted such trainings, making it an unprecedented and remarkable event,” comments Turar Mamenov, a rural teacher.

Thanks to her CAYLA training, Nasiba’s sharpened project management skills led the project to success. “Training a handful of individuals wasn’t enough for me; I aimed to reach more young people,” she explains. She realized that she could make a difference in Karnak by pushing for more recreational spaces for children and youth. “Why not leverage my grant writing skills to build new playgrounds?” she mused. Her initiative attracted grant funding and interest from authorities and the local community, and resulted in the construction of two new playgrounds: one for young children and one for sports. The facilities provided Karnak’s children with a space to congregate, exercise, and develop social skills.

Reflecting on her experience, Nasiba remarked, “CAYLA has been one of the most transformative programs in my life. It not only connected me with like-minded peers from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan but also sharpened my focus on community development, crystallizing my future objectives and the paths to achieve them.”

Nasiba’s ultimate ambition is to equip rural youth to enact positive change through . “Education isn’t just assistance; it’s a transformative tool,” she explains. “Like teaching someone to fish, education sustains children for a lifetime. I’m committed to using education as a tool to foster change and development. Our nation’s future hinges on the education of its youth.”

The post Young Leader Launches Civic Education Program for Youth in Rural Kazakhstan appeared first on Eurasia Foundation.

To fill this gap and bolster the country’s transformation, a team of procurement professionals created Kun Jarygy (“Sunlight” in Kazakh) in the summer of 2022. This coalition of 23 NGOs and 32 experts monitors state spending across Kazakhstan. Launched with support from Eurasia Foundation’s Social Innovation in Central Asia (SICA) program and global transparency watchdog Open Contracting Partnership, the coalition quickly began shining a light on problematic procurement practices.

“A key aspect of public monitoring is ensuring that citizens, as the ultimate beneficiaries of state expenditures, receive high-quality goods and services at reasonable prices,” says Nurgali Rakhmanov, a co-founder and an active member of the coalition. “Our mission now is to educate them on how to monitor public spending effectively to ensure they receive [these] quality services for their taxes.”

Nurgali gained experience in public procurement while working as a business development specialist for various international enterprises. After years in this sector, he discovered SICA’s Policy Research School and realized he was ready for a career change.

SICA’s Policy Research School helps changemakers leverage their professional expertise to improve public procurement processes. “The program offered hands-on practical tools for tracking public spending, implementing research projects, minimizing safety risks, and offering constructive recommendations on public policy,” Nurgali says. “As I was learning to analyze procurement from the perspective of a watchdog, I realized that I wanted to keep developing in this sphere.”

The idea of an umbrella organization to support NGOs working on state recruitment—what would become Kun Jarygy—was born in a casual WhatsApp chat among classmates. “Then, in May 2022, when SICA announced a new grant competition, four of us from the chat—Aida Bapakhova, Ruslan Asaubayev, Abai Myrkhin, and I—joined forces to propose the establishment of the coalition. This is how our journey began,” Nurgali says, smiling.

Within months, the newly founded coalition was working with 25 NGOs and had become a hub for civic activists working in the sphere. The team launched a free webinar series on public monitoring of state procurement. Webinars attracted a wide audience, including government procurement representatives. One participant, Bauyrzhan Zaki Akhmetzhan, took what he learned and hosted an additional in-person state procurement course for 16 civic activists in August 2023 in his native Uralsk.

The founders’ varied professional experiences have propelled the project’s success. Co-founder Aida Bapakhova is a former project director of egov.kz, Kazakhstan’s premier digital platform for government e-services. In January 2024, under Aida’s leadership, Kun Jarygy launched ProZakup.kz, a website guide to Kazakhstan’s regulatory environment. ProZakup has become a model online platform in Central Asia for support and education to civic activists and NGOs working on state procurement.

“One particular victory for us is the fact that coalition members are exchanging and leveraging their practical experience [to amplify outcomes],” notes Aida. “Recently, Nurgali’s public foundation conducted a study on school construction spending and shared findings his with our group. Bauyrzhan, another member of the coalition, then utilized Nurgali’s methods for his own research. We learn from each other and grow as a team.”

The coalition is a prime example of how the civic sector can cooperate with government bodies to champion transparent spending. In just one year, members of Kun Jarygy have monitored 1,222 tenders worth 346 billion KZT (725 million USD). Within these, they identified 270 purchases with violations and sent 89 complaints to government agencies, which resulted in the opening of 5 criminal cases and 11.4 million KZT (24,000 USD) returned to the state budget.

Moving forward, Kun Jarygy is focused on solidifying partnerships with government agencies to develop robust public oversight, enhance transparency, and strengthen procurement officers’ skills. Aida is confident that the coalition emerged at the right time. “Civic activists, NGOs, and bloggers across the country monitor state procurement, but many lack the capacity to develop full-scale research or do it systemically,” she says. “We needed a body that would effectively pool [these actors’] limited resources to promote the transparency of state procurement, ultimately saving their efforts. Kun Jarygy is that body.”

The post Anti-Corruption Coalition Shines a Light on State Procurement in Kazakhstan appeared first on Eurasia Foundation.

“Women in rural areas of Tajikistan encounter unique challenges in their pursuit of STEM education. Limited access to quality educational institutions is a primary concern,” Muqaddas shares. “Additionally, cultural norms and expectations play a significant role: families may not see the value of investing in their daughters’ STEM education when they expect them to marry and take on household responsibilities at a young age.”

Recognizing the urgent need to address this pervasive issue, Muqaddas and her 19-year-old daughter Nozanin founded Shams (“Sunshine” in Tajik), an NGO located in the small city of Guliston in the Sughd region of northwest Tajikistan. Shams’ Win the Future initiative readies schoolgirls from rural areas to continue pursuing science, math, and technology by gamifying STEM education. With support from Eurasia Foundation’s Social Innovation in Central Asia (SICA) program, this initiative trained 127 young women in physics, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, and vital soft skills.

According to Muqaddas, the inspiration for the project came from her daughter. While studying computer science at university, Nozanin experienced the gender inequality prevalent in STEM fields. “In my class, only 10% of students were women, a discouraging factor for many,” Nozanin says. In rural areas, women’s enrollment rates were even lower. Muqaddas and Nozanin resolved to change this status quo.

As an experienced educator herself, Muqaddas recognized teachers’ capacity to spark students’ passion. Thus, Win the Future’s first step was to enlist outstanding educators from three neighboring villages. These teachers would provide engaging STEM lessons to girls in local schools through a dedicated after-school program.

The team devised a friendly competition among participating schools to further motivate the students. Participants earned points by advancing in their extracurricular studies and attending after-school classes. The highest achieving student would win a trip to Tajikistan’s capital, Dushanbe, and visit to the country’s leading university.

As of October 2023, 91 young women who participated in Win the Future have embarked on higher education tracks at university. Sixteen of them secured prestigious government scholarships. “I am elated that our venture as representatives of civil society has yielded such resounding success. Much of our achievement is attributed to the invaluable support we received from the USAID Social Innovation in Central Asia program,” shares Muqaddas.

Shahzoda Ganiboeva, an 18-year-old project participant, earned a government-sponsored spot in the Faculty of Chemistry at the Tajik National University in Dushanbe. She credits a significant portion of her accomplishments to Shams’ support. “[The courses] have been transformative; without them, I might not have achieved what I have today,” she says.

For both Muqaddas and Nozanin, the Shams project marks merely the beginning of their journey to champion women’s participation in Tajikistan’s educational landscape. “We are gearing up to launch a focused media campaign to emphasize the critical role of education for Tajikistani women,” Muqaddas affirms. “The Shams initiative represents a pivotal step in our vision to lead rural girls towards advanced learning.”

Want to learn more about Muqaddas and Nozanin? Check out their video from Eurasia Foundation’s Pass the Mic series!

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