The collaborative effort between Footage Foundation and El-Agartuu to host a webinar on innovative methods for preventing violence against women marks a significant step forward in addressing a pervasive issue in Kyrgyzstan and beyond. Scheduled for June 17, 2025, the webinar will delve into the findings of a comprehensive needs assessment conducted from December 2024 to January 2025, engaging 108 participants including survivors of violence, NGO staff, and government employees. The research underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions, with 73% of violence victims reporting poor mental health and a dire need for counseling services.
Key insights from the assessment reveal a gap in training and capacity building for government staff, the necessity for enhanced collaboration among NGOs, and the importance of overcoming cultural barriers that foster fear and mistrust. The webinar aims to not only share these findings but also to explore actionable solutions that leverage storytelling and participatory methods to foster trust, shift harmful norms, and strengthen support systems for survivors. This initiative is a testament to the power of evidence-driven strategies in combating the social and economic impacts of violence against women.
Dr. Kristen Ali Eglinton of Footage Foundation and Nurzhan Tulegabylova of El-Agartuu emphasize the importance of community education and the need to shift societal norms that perpetuate violence. Their call to action highlights the collective responsibility of survivors, NGOs, and government partners in creating a safer, more supportive environment for women. This webinar represents a critical opportunity for stakeholders to come together, share knowledge, and commit to meaningful change in the fight against gender-based violence.
