For over three decades, Bübyusara Ryskulova has worked on the frontlines supporting women and children impacted by violence. As the honorary president of the crisis centre Sezim – meaning “feeling” – she has witnessed firsthand the evolving landscape of support for survivors in Kyrgyzstan.
Speaking during the recent Commission on the Status of Women session (CSW70) at UN Headquarters in New York, Ms. Ryskulova acknowledged the significant progress Kyrgyzstan has made in strengthening protections against domestic and family violence, while also noting that challenges remain. She was the sole civil society representative in a delegation that included high-ranking officials such as the deputy prime minister, ombudsperson, and deputy prosecutor general.
Early Days and a Changing Landscape
Ms. Ryskulova described her entry into this function as accidental, sparked by a 1998 exchange program in the United States where she observed functioning support systems for domestic violence survivors. “I saw for the first time how a support system actually functions,” she said. Returning home, she recognized the depth of the problem and the urgent need for similar structures in Kyrgyzstan.
Sezim was founded at a time when simply discussing domestic violence openly was difficult. Ms. Ryskulova noted a rise in religiousness in the early 1990s, which sometimes led to issues being interpreted through a religious lens, making conversations about violence harder, particularly in rural areas.
From Empty Hotlines to Legal Victories
The early days of Sezim were marked by uncertainty. Ms. Ryskulova recalled the anxiety of launching their first hotline and waiting for the first call. “When we opened the hotline, we just sat there waiting. Will anyone call? And for a long time, no one did,” she remembered. When the first call finally came, she took it despite having limited experience.
Over time, Kyrgyzstan adopted laws to address family violence, becoming one of the first post-Soviet countries to do so in 2003, with updates in 2017. “At the legislative level, we really can’t complain,” Ms. Ryskulova stated. However, she emphasized the importance of implementation and the need to continue working directly with survivors.
In recent years, Sezim has handled approximately 40 court cases, with around 90 percent of decisions favoring the survivors, including cases involving murder and rape. The organization prioritizes survivor anonymity when requested.
Expanding the Scope of Support
International collaboration has been crucial to the development of crisis centres in Kyrgyzstan, with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) being an early partner. Through this partnership, Ms. Ryskulova first encountered the term “sexual slavery” and subsequently established a dedicated hotline to address this issue.
Today, Sezim continues to collaborate with UN agencies such as UNHCR and UN Women, sharing expertise and participating in joint projects. Ms. Ryskulova believes platforms like the Commission on the Status of Women are valuable for learning from other countries and identifying areas for improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of Sezim?
Sezim is a crisis centre founded in 1998 that provides support to women and children who have survived violence. It offers a shelter and specialist services, and represents survivors’ interests in court.
What challenges remain in addressing domestic violence in Kyrgyzstan?
Despite legislative progress, challenges remain in implementing laws and addressing cultural factors that can craft it difficult to openly discuss domestic violence, particularly in rural areas.
How did Bübyusara Ryskulova become involved in this work?
Ms. Ryskulova’s involvement began after a 1998 exchange program in the United States, where she learned about functioning support systems for domestic violence survivors and recognized the need for similar structures in Kyrgyzstan.
As Ms. Ryskulova emphasizes, even with progress, continued daily effort is required to ensure that all survivors receive the protection and support they need.
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