4^th March 2021, Bishkek - Between October 2020 and February 2021, 628 women in Chui and Osh regions participated in trainings to help eliminate discriminatory stereotypes against rural women and increase their legal literacy within the framework of the Rural Women Project.

The aim of the events was to help create and expand opportunities for rural women to exercise their rights, assist in reducing and eliminating discriminatory stereotypes against rural women, and strengthen the capacity of decision-makers and civil society organizations at the local level. The events were attended by female residents of Chui and Osh regions, representatives of government agencies, local self-government bodies providing services to the population and local non-profit organizations.

One of the women shared how her life changed after participating in the training in Chui Oblast. Aitbubu Turdalieva, a pensioner, She is a member of the Sokuluk District Health Committee, after participating in the training, expressed her desire to join the number of local activists (volunteers) and assist the project in informing and promoting the initiative "Legal empowerment of rural women - through information", at the local level.

- Our first client came forward in hopes of getting justice for her two nephews and one niece. The children's father is a PRC citizen and their mother a Kyrgyz citizen. The children are in grades 9,7,6, and were facing a violation of their rights in obtaining passports. Fortunately, we were able to help them, - she said. She notes that most of the requests are about alimony and benefits, to resolve land disputes, and we have already managed to help 19 women and 10 men. Also, Aitbubu Turdalieva identified many problems in the field of social protection, which women in the villages address, such as an increase in domestic violence, infringed rights of children who are left to live with grandparents and parents who leave to migrate for work. Responsive and active Aitbubu Turdubaeva is grateful to everyone who organized and conducted the training for the fact that she can now help those in need and seeking justice.

The trainings were held in the format of presentations, mini-lectures, general discussions, brainstorming, legal advice from trainers specializing in the field of law and local government. Also at the trainings, participants divided into small groups analyzed cases (practical situations) reflecting gender stereotypes often found in rural areas in relation to rural women, and worked out ways to solve and eradicate stereotypes.

The Rural Women's Project is aimed at improving the quality of life and increasing access to information and legal awareness. The goals of the project are to reduce and eliminate discriminatory stereotypes against rural women. The activities are supported by the UNDP and the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs project "Towards Sustainable Access to Justice for Legal Empowerment in the Kyrgyz Republic".

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Link for pictures from trainings: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmRRKk7Y