Kazakhstan joined the UN global campaign against gender-based violence

On 25 November in Astana, the “End Violence” Film Festival was officially opened, marking the launch of the UN global campaign “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.”

The festival is organized by the UN Country Team in Kazakhstan — the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNV, UN Women, and the Central Asian Alliance to End Gender-Based Violence, in partnership with inDrive and the Alternativa project.

The festival programme features four full-length films — three fiction films and one documentary — from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Nepal. Screenings will take place in Astana and Shymkent and will be free of charge for the general public upon prior registration.

From social norms to digital threats: the spectrum of violence is widening

According to UN data, one in three women worldwide experiences violence at least once in her lifetime, with approximately 1.3 billion people globally affected by different forms of violence. The problem remains widespread due to persistent stereotypes and social norms that continue to justify or silence violence.

In 2025, the UN global campaign “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” focuses on the theme “Ending Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.” Today, the digital environment is becoming one of the most dangerous spaces — ranging from online abuse and harassment to the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, deepfakes, and gender-based disinformation.

Fewer than 40 per cent of countries worldwide have laws that protect women from online harassment and abuse, leaving 1.8 billion women and girls effectively without legal protection.

Collective action as the key to change

The opening of the festival brought together representatives of international organizations, influencers, actors, experts, human rights defenders, and youth. Through the language of cinema, participants sought to draw attention to an issue that affects billions of people worldwide.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, Ms. Sarangoo Radnaaragchaa, emphasized that gender-based violence remains a challenge across all countries and cultures. She noted that changing societal attitudes requires diverse tools — including art and public dialogue — that help address complex issues and promote equality:

“May the films presented at this festival not only move us emotionally, but also inspire action — toward respect, mutual support, and the creation of a world in which every woman and every girl feels safe.”

The UNICEF Representative in Kazakhstan, Dr. Rashid Mustafa Sarwar, highlighted that children and adolescents are among the most vulnerable groups, particularly online. He stressed that it is the responsibility of society and the state to ensure a safe environment for every child’s development, so that every girl and every boy grows up knowing their rights are protected.

The UNFPA Representative in Kazakhstan and UNFPA Country Director for Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, Chinwe Ogbonna, noted that digital violence often becomes an extension of offline threats. She underscored the need for more accessible support services, emphasizing that violence is a violation of human dignity regardless of where it occurs — within the family, the workplace, or online.

“Digital violence causes serious harm to the health, safety, and well-being of survivors. It often extends beyond the online space — through stalking, harassment, physical violence, or even femicide. We must speak openly about this form of violence and strengthen digital literacy,” said Dr. Jerene Guven Gures, Head of the Central Asia Coordination Office of UN Women and Representative of UN Women in Kazakhstan.

Representatives of UN Volunteers highlighted the important role of youth and volunteers as drivers of conversations on non-violence and equality.

Cinema as a space to address what is often left unspoken

At the festival opening in Astana on 25 November, invited guests watched the film “Bauyryna Salu” by Askhat Kuchinchirekov — a drama about a boy who, according to an ancient Kazakh tradition, is raised by his grandmother. After her death, he returns to his parents and must rebuild relationships with people who are biologically close but emotionally distant. The film subtly reveals the complex emotions and experiences often left unspoken behind this tradition.

The screening was followed by a discussion with actors and experts on gender-based violence. The film evoked a strong emotional response and served as a starting point for a broader conversation on how cultural traditions, social pressure, and the lack of systemic support affect people’s lives.

Discussion participants — actor Aidos Auyesbayev, GBV expert Aigerim Kussainkyzy, and actor Aziz Beishenaliev, a HeForShe Central Asia ally — noted that art helps re-examine familiar social scenarios and bring to light topics that often remain taboo.

In Shymkent, screenings began on 28 November with a film by Kyrgyz director Mirlan Abdykalykov, telling the story of 19-year-old Umut, who becomes an accidental victim of bride kidnapping — a practice often justified as a “tradition” but used today as a form of violence and coercion. Based on real stories of women and girls subjected to forced marriage, the film highlights how distorted cultural norms continue to destroy lives and futures.

This screening was followed by a discussion with Tynchtik Abylkasymov, the film’s screenwriter, and Vera Zakutnaya, Executive Director of the Sana-Sezim Foundation.

Why the festival matters for Kazakhstan

The festival holds particular significance for Kazakhstan. As in many countries worldwide, cases of online harassment and digital violence are increasing, especially among young people. In response, Kazakhstan is strengthening efforts to ensure online safety by updating legislation, expanding digital literacy, and enhancing support services.

The creative community also plays a critical role in raising socially important issues and fostering a culture of zero tolerance for violence. The “No Violence” Film Festival demonstrates how art and open dialogue can help address complex challenges and support those affected by violence.