Aryyjan-Karakol is a registered NGO founded and run by local women, for local women, in the in the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan. We exist to educate and assist those affected and at risk of being affected by non-consensual bride-kidnapping and domestic violence. Aryyjan-Karakol conducts community-based trainings in rural villages on the role of gender in Kyrgyz Society and legal rights for women. We also operate a 24-hour emergency hotline, which provides direct access to legal, medical, and psychological support from Aryyjan-Karakol staff.
Consultation Center Fundraising Campaign
Aryyjan-Karakol has partnered with U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers to create a bride-kidnapping and domestic violence consultation center in Karakol. The local community has donated space for the consultation center, but we need funding to purchase basic equipment and furniture, which will enable us to provide personal, face to face counseling in addition to improving the services provided through our 24-hour hotline. We are also seeking financial assistance for trainings from a local lawyer and psychologist to improve our staff’s capacity to offer the most commonly requested services. Please visit our donations page for more information on this project.
Gender and Domestic Violence Trainings
Building on the past success of trainings on this topic, Aryyjan-Karakol has completed 12 trainings on gender and domestic violence. These 12 trainings represent the first phase of a two-part project on this theme. Participants learned about the history of gender equality and specifics about Kyrgyz laws on domestic violence.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign
In recognition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign, Aryyjan-Karakol conducted four trainings with youth on bride-kidnapping. The trainings were conducted in colleges around Karakol with youth at or near the age of marriage. The trainings also included sessions on the gender implications of HIV/AIDS.