In the heart of Kyrgyzstan, a remarkable organization is making a difference in the lives of young people. Led by Executive Director Galina Girkina, the Alliance for Reproductive Health is at the forefront of the fight for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Join us as we explore their inspiring work, the challenges they face, and the impact they're making on their community.
When was your Member Association founded?
We were founded in 2001, so we’re now more than 20 years old. And we started in Kyrgyzstan. Issyk kul, where the big lake is. And then we moved to the capital, and now we have become a big organization with 7 sections geographically.
How would you describe the evolution of your country over the past 20 years?
Over 20 years the political context has changed seriously. At the start, when we were first founded, we were a young country. We had gained our freedom. It was such a moment of uplift. There we were with all our democratic development prospects, and NGO's had government support, and now that has changed.
Can you elaborate on the current situation?
Now there's a new wave of repressive politicians, repressive policies, and we are now faced with a serious situation. We are having to struggle for our future at all levels, and in all respects. Now at this very moment in Kyrgyzstan a court case is underway, where they are suing human rights activists. The same kind of people who supported independence and pushed for it. So now all kinds of organizations, for instance, working with LGBTQ people, they are now closing or having to transform themselves. Very serious things are underway.
when
country
Kyrgyzstan
region
European Network
Subject
Young People
Related Member Association
Reproductive Health Alliance of Kyrgyzstan
Now there's a new wave of repressive politicians, repressive policies, and we are now faced with a serious situation. We are having to struggle for our future at all levels, and in all respects.
How are young people responding to these challenges?
And our research shows that 50% of young people under 25 are dying to leave Kyrgyzstan because they see no future for themselves in their own country. I think it's the political context that explains it. Because young people know they're not going to find their way in government organizations. They're not going to be able to make a life there, so they seek a path in the NGOs. That is open to them.
Can you provide an example of how young people are actively involved in your organization?
So for instance, our Alliance (Alliance for Reproductive Health in Kyrgyzstan) in that respect is probably typical. In our structure 60-70% of the people running the organization are under the age of 25. Four out of seven of our board are that young.