While feminism is a natural part of social debate in Sweden, the word is met with incomprehension and skepticism in Kazakhstan. In Kazakhstan, gender equality is seen as something already achieved, although traditional values still hold women back. Despite the challenges, a slow change is sprouting, led by women who refuse to accept the status quo.
In Sweden, feminism is a natural part of the social debate. Despite fewer prioritize gender equality in Sweden It is a topic that still engages and creates debate. But here in Kazakhstan I am instead met with an overwhelming silence.
It is a world where the word feminism barely exists. When I participate in discussions about gender equality, I often hear the same response, “Feminism has no place in our country.” For many Kazakhs, traditional values are not questioned. Feminism is seen as something Western and foreign, something that is not needed.
Therefore, it is also a challenge to work for feminism in Kazakhstan. The organization Soyuz Krizisnyh Centrov has been active in Kazakhstan for the past 17 years. Among the population, they are also known as the helpline telephone150.
As the country's only anonymous helpline, their goal is to provide a safe place where people can share their problems and get support. Zulfiya Baysakova works on the board of Soyuz Krizisnyh Centrov. She says the helpline is aimed at children and women.
“We receive calls about everything from family conflicts and relationship problems to domestic violence. Other common topics include abuse, bullying and suicidal thoughts. Therefore, it is crucial that those who contact us feel trust and confidence in the helpline.”
In Kazakhstan, feminism faces several practical problems. Zulfiya talks about the legal perspective and highlights that the laws that exist are few and inadequate.
- First, we lack a concept of rape with penetration that is consistent with international standards. We also have no legal definition of sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination in Kazakhstan. These issues are completely ignored on the political agenda, and politicians choose to turn a blind eye to the problems and pretend that everything is fine.
According to a report by UNDP and UN Women, Fewer than 40 percent of the population of Kazakhstan knows what the word gender equality means. A high proportion of men (83,1 percent) but also women (70,6 percent) believe that women in Kazakhstan have either too many or enough rights and opportunities. This despite an obvious lack of understanding of gender issues.
In a society where tradition rules, it is easy for the issue of women's rights to become entrenched in traditional norms and expectations. Almost 70 percent of men and 54 percent of women believe that a woman's primary role is to take care of the home, to prioritize family over career, and to accept a subordinate role to men.
Interest in gender equality is growing
So how does civil society work with feminism when the resistance is so great?
– Our most important method is to inform the population about equal rights and opportunities. We work to change the view of women, not only as mothers, daughters, sisters or granddaughters, but as individuals with intrinsic value and potential. Sometimes we succeed. We show that the higher the level of education a woman has, the more she can be an equal conversation partner and an active member of the family, which contributes to mutual understanding and support, says Zulfiya.
She continues to talk about an event that the center organizes every year that coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25th.
– Every year we organize 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, an event that grows every year. It is especially pleasing that more men are participating in this, which shows a slow but important change in attitude.
Something that is clear among the population and in political debates is that few men and women want to be called feminists in Kazakhstan.
“In our country, feminism is often confused with issues of sexual identity, and is mistakenly linked to groups that identify as lesbian, gay, or transgender. Many Kazakhs have difficulty accepting these individuals and are reluctant to live side by side with those who are equal,” explains Zulfiya.
The future of feminism is a hot topic among young people in Kazakhstan, and despite strong opposition from older generations, ignorance, and traditional values, the debate is growing. As Zulfiya looks ahead, she sees a feminist Kazakhstan ahead.
– We see how deeply depressed women can become when they are prevented from using their rights and living as equal individuals. At the same time, we see more and more examples of how successful and strong women can be. Feminism is a progressive phenomenon, and I think it seems like this is the future in Kazakhstan. Change is slow, but it is actually moving forward. Every step counts, and every conversation can be the beginning of something bigger.
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