The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has been actively engaged in fostering peace and social cohesion in Kyrgyzstan, a country marked by its rich cultural diversity and complex socio-political landscape. Recognizing the critical need for inclusive governance, community resilience, and sustainable development, UNDP has implemented a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening the foundations of peace and enhancing social cohesion across the region through promoting inclusive governance, empowering women, and youth, building resilience through socio -economic development and many other.

In our commitment to building cohesive communities and an inclusive future, local initiative groups, formed by community leaders and activists, play a key role. These grassroots platforms empower community members to engage in meaningful conversations with local authorities, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. By facilitating open dialogue, these groups lay the foundation for more inclusive and cohesive society.

Empowering Women and Promoting NAP 1325 at the Local Level

An important achievement of these initiative groups is their dedication to women empowerment and advancing the principles of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (NAP 1325). Through targeted programs and initiatives, these groups create opportunities for women to assume leadership roles within their communities. This commitment to gender equality enhances decision-making processes that impact their lives, fosters a more equitable environment for all.

Ainura Aripova, a member of the initiative group in the village of Ak-Turpak in the Batken region, says that her participation in the project has given her confidence in herself and her abilities. According to her, she has come to understand that every woman can make a significant contribution to the development of her community and the building of peace, especially when she has support and confidence.

"My involvement in the UNDP project on Empowering Civil Society's Change my life by 180 degrees. Through the project, I learned about my rights and the importance of women being active participants in the decision-making process. We were trained to write projects, organize meetings, and express our ideas. The most important thing for me was that I was able to unite the women in my village. We began holding meetings where we discussed not only common problems but also possible solutions. Together, we developed action plans aimed at improving educational opportunities for children and creating jobs for women. I saw interest and confidence spark in the eyes of my neighbors. Women began to open, sharing their ideas and initiatives. With each new meeting, I felt the atmosphere in our village changing. I started to hear my fellow villagers discussing our initiatives with respect and noticed how local authorities began paying attention to our concerns. That was when I realized that our voice matters," Ainura shares.

One of the most significant outcomes of the initiative group, of which Ainura is a member, has been the creation of a support group for women who have experienced family conflicts. "We organized regular meetings where women shared their stories and helped each other regain their confidence. I see how these women, who once suffered from differences, are beginning to believe in themselves and their capabilities. They are becoming leaders in their families and communities," Ainura says.

"I also realized that my work will not end with the completion of the project. I decided to continue advocacy for women's rights and creating opportunities for their active participation in our village life. I plan to organize monthly meetings where women can discuss their ideas and projects and support each other in their implementation."