In the village of Blagoveshchenka, Jalal-Abad region, a new women’s fitness center has opened its doors, the public space in the community created to support the participation of women and youth in local life. More than just a place to work out, the center is designed to strengthen mental and physical health, provide a safe environment for dialogue, and become a hub where women and youth can come together, connect with peers, share experiences, and seek advice.

The fitness center was born out of a clear demand from women in the community who wanted a space not only for physical activity but also for meaningful interaction. Today, it offers training sessions alongside opportunities for dialogue and collective problem-solving.

What makes this initiative unique is the way it came to life: through a partnership between Suzak Aiyl Okmotu and local communities, with resources from the municipal budget used to renovate the premises. This collaboration demonstrates how shared efforts by government and citizens can create impactful initiatives that matter in everyday lives.

The center also plays a vital role in building trust and understanding between women of different ethnic groups living in Blagoveshchenka. By creating a safe and inclusive environment, it contributes to social cohesion, a priority under Kyrgyzstan’s National Development Programme until 2030.

For UNDP, this local initiative represents a broader commitment: supporting Kyrgyzstan in anticipating and preventing crises, investing in people, and protecting hard-won gains.

On this International Day of Peace, we call on leaders and communities alike to recognize the power of prevention and the importance of building safe, inclusive spaces that bring people together. Supporting peacebuilders at the grassroots level — women, youth, and communities — helps lay the foundation for stronger, more resilient societies.

Because peace is not just the absence of conflict. Peace is built every day — in places like this fitness center, where people find strength, trust, and community.