Women teachers from Kyrgyzstan advocate for gender equality and a life free of violence
NARYN, Kyrgyzstan − After 15 years, Saltanat Barakanova's work as a teacher still fills her heart with joy, even on the toughest days. Waking up at dawn to get ready for work has become her daily ritual, and it is a privilege she would not trade for anything else. Below, she shares how Spotlight Initiative support has helped her to advocate for gender equality, better support for women teachers and an end to violence in schools and communities.
Being a teacher means more than just imparting knowledge; it means being a role model and setting a high standard. As I cross the threshold of the school gate each morning, I carry with me not only textbooks but also the weight of responsibility.
Meeting the demands of the school administration and my students' parents is a daily challenge, as there is a constant stream of both school and social work that needs to be completed, even when I return home.
There have been critical moments that changed my journey as an educator. One of my fellow teachers suffered a stroke and another attempted suicide. Those situations shed light on the immense stress and pressure we all face.
Women teachers face multiple challenges, dealing with pressure from two different sides: from family and from the school's management. We have to fulfill roles in both personal and professional spheres.
Moreover, in Kochkor we have no recreational facilities for enjoyment, relaxation and well-being. Thus, we had the idea of establishing a safe space for women where they could gather not just to share experiences and seek support, but to access fitness, meditation and yoga.
Successful start
My colleague Damira and I realized that something needed to change for local teachers. As a first step, we took part in a Spotlight Initiative supported training session on design thinking conducted in Naryn under the framework of the project of the Public Foundation “Future of the Country”. This helped us craft a project that tackled the issues local teachers face.
In parallel, my husband also took part in Gender Action Learning System training, leading him to become more involved in our children's lives and household chores. Thanks to that knowledge and training, today my husband and my in-laws stand by my side, supporting my endeavours and dreams.
Overcoming challenges
In October 2022, we pitched our project among 17 teams and won, paving the way for an exciting future.
We travelled throughout the Naryn region to remote areas to spread our message. Our gatherings with other teachers were conducted in a circle of trust and in total, four schools located in Kochkor, Kosh-Dobo, and Isakeev villages benefited from our safe space initiatives.
We have included fitness, yoga and meditation into our project as outlets for releasing frustration and finding solace among local teachers and women. For six months, we provided free access to a gym and two months of online yoga classes.
Our relationships with our husbands and in-laws, colleagues and neighbors improved, and we supported those teachers who faced workplace harassment.
We empowered more than 40 female teachers, and also reached out to vulnerable women including grandmothers and women caring for with children with disabilities. We are currently working on securing a separate space for children to be supervised while their mothers exercise.
Throughout November and December 2023, we collaborated with over 50 teachers, local activists, representatives of local keneshes, and members of women's councils. Together, we work to collectively advocate against gender-based violence in our villages. Each of us organized an awareness-raising event with pupils at the schools where we work, spreading a crucial message of zero tolerance for all forms of violence.
Recognition in the community
Currently we are also running a local co-working centre to facilitate Kochkor rayon’s local meetings, and I was elected as the head of the Women's Council for 36 villages in the Kochkor district.
Our work is recognized now and supported by the local authorities, local councils and the Development Fund of Naryn region, allowing us to have a seat at various commissions. We've learned to plan and manage our time effectively, with our husbands now actively supporting us.
Road to transformation
I call our journey transformative. Going forward, we plan to have a larger building not only with fitness facilities but also training spaces and an art studio. In our dreams we call it a Women's Development Centre, not just a "DEM" fitness centre.
My mindset has shifted thanks to our project and trainings. During informational sessions with teachers, we openly discussed our experiences, we shared examples of our struggles, different types of pressure such as juggling work, household responsibilities and dreams of self-fulfillment.
Our journey has not only positively impacted our community efforts but has also brought improvements in our personal and family lives. The transformation in our attitudes towards both our children and colleagues mirrors the personal growth we have undergone.
Inviting men to our training sessions remains a challenge, but my husband's participation in the GALS training driven by his genuine concern for our youngest daughter gives us a glimmer of hope.
The GALS method, once unfamiliar and daunting, has become a transformative tool for each of us. We openly discuss our struggles, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and understanding one another.
Our humble story in Kochkor rayon is a testament to the power of transformation, resilience, and the impact of collective efforts in the face of adversity. With my teacher colleagues we proudly keep advocating for gender equality, emotional well-being and stronger communities in Kyrgyzstan.
Demilgeluu Jashtar Kochkor Public Foundation under the leadership of Saltanat and Damira received small grant support from UN Women Kyrgyzstan in partnership with Public Foundation “Future of the Country” as part of Spotlight Initiative.
By Gulaiym Shigaibaeva
