LocationsAuthor: Ikhtiyor Abdurakhmanov
Surviving Violence: One Woman's Journey
August 13, 2024
Oydin Nur Center building
Photo: Ikhtiyor Abdurakhmanov, UNDP Uzbekistan
When Zamira Shodiyeva (name and surname in the article have been changed) turned to the Oydin Nur center, her life was overwhelmed with problems and anxieties. Her marriage had subjected her to the relentless burden of domestic violence, leaving deep psychological scars over the years. The severe abuse inflicted by her husband ultimately compelled Zamira to make a life-changing decision: she sought help from the Oydin Nur center.
In November 2023, Zamira filed a lawsuit in the Ramitan District Civil Court of Bukhara region, following another severe incident of violence by her husband, seeking an immediate separation. However, the court granted the couple a four-month period to attempt reconciliation. During this time, while Zamira was still living at her parents' home, her husband forcibly took her away and subjected her to further physical abuse
"When I was going to work, he forced me into his car and beat me until I lost consciousness. I opened my eyes in the hospital. I had to receive medical treatment for a long time", says the woman.
The Oydin Nur family social protection center, established in the Bukhara region, serves as more than just a shelter for women who have survived violence; it plays a crucial role in offering legal and psychological support. The center provides many women with the chance to rebuild their lives, rediscover themselves, and reclaim their place in society. Zamira's story is a clear testament to the profound impact this center has on the lives of women facing such challenges.
Zamira's experience is just one among many women who have found support at the center. Her marriage was marked by hardship and domestic violence, making her life extremely challenging. Despite her hopes that motherhood would bring positive change, she found little joy in becoming a mother.
"Not only did my husband mistreat me, but other family members did as well. I endured it for too long. Eventually, I confided in my father. It couldn't go on like this. Even the birth of our child failed to bring peace to our family," Zamira recalls
Lawsuits, protection orders, and appeals to various organizations did little to improve Zamira's situation. She only began to feel safe after seeking support from the Oydin Nur center.
The center offered Zamira not just legal assistance but also crucial emotional support. The center's lawyers played a key role in defending her case, helping to expedite the court proceedings. With their help, Zamira was finally able to secure a divorce, giving her the chance to escape the violence and begin a new chapter in her life.
"Many women are unaware of their rights or find themselves unable to defend against violence. Legal assistance from lawyers is crucial in helping women access fair trials, receive psychological support, and obtain protection from violence. I personally benefited from such assistance, which allowed me to expedite a court case that had been delayed multiple times," says Zamira.
Zamira is determined to prevent other women from facing the challenges she endured. Now fully aware of her rights, she has found her place in society and is committed to raising awareness about the center's work and women's rights. She aims to support women who find themselves in similar situations.
Gulnoza Akhmedova, an expert on gender equality and civil society development with the United Nations Development Program, emphasizes the critical importance of distinguishing between domestic violence and family conflict. Unlike family conflict, domestic violence follows a predictable pattern: escalating aggression, possibly involving physical force, followed by a temporary reconciliation, and then more violence.
"The second characteristic of violence is its tendency to escalate over time: violent acts become more frequent, and the intensity of the violence increases," explains expert Gulnoza Akhmedova. "The third characteristic distinguishes it from family conflict, where both partners have an equal stance. In domestic violence, one person seeks to control the other's life, dictating their actions and whom they can interact with. Without timely intervention, this violence can result in injury, suicide, or even the death of the victims."
The support provided by the Oydin Nur center extends far beyond Zamira. Today, the center helps many women start anew. Through legal and psychological assistance, as well as organized seminars and trainings, women are learning to protect their rights. These initiatives open doors to new opportunities and empower them to see themselves as equal members of society.
UNDP's small grants support the operations of the Oydin Nur center. These grants enable the center to implement its projects and contribute to social change. The grants primarily focus on protecting women's rights, equipping them with legal knowledge, and ensuring their active participation in social life.
Low-Value Grants Programme is a Programme organized by the ‘Strengthening the Rule of Law and Human Rights Protection in Uzbekistan’ project implemented jointly by UNDP in Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan and funded by MFA Finland. As part of this programme, nine low-value grants were allocated, and today NGOs in various regions of Uzbekistan provide free legal assistance to persons in need of social protection.
The programme not only funds projects, but also helps strengthen the capacity of non-governmental non-profit organizations, enabling them to communicate with interested parties and have a meaningful impact in their spheres of activity. This enables to gradually improve the socio-legal environment in Uzbekistan and create conditions for ensuring a fair and inclusive society.