Breaking the Silence: Unspoken Harassment in Kyrgyzstan’s Medical Institutions

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan − In the world of healthcare, where compassion and care should reign supreme, an insidious problem often remains shrouded in silence: sexual harassment. For years, female students and health workers in Kyrgyzstan's medical institutions endured this injustice, fearing the consequences of speaking out.

But it was Bermet Baryktabasova, Head of the Independent Medical Trade Union of Kyrgyzstan and Expert on Evidence-Based Medicine, who received grant support from UN Women Kyrgyzstan in partnership with Public Foundation “Future of the Country” as part of the global Spotlight Initiative and decided it was time to break the silence and bring the change.

The beginning of the journey

Bermet's journey began with a self-critique, analysis, and realization that something needed to be done about this issue. She envisioned a project that not only highlighted the issue of harassment in healthcare sector but also provided a platform for the voiceless to share their experiences.

The journey was not without its challenges. Bermet and her team, including the Reproductive Health Alliance in Kyrgyzstan, faced reluctance and fear when they started collecting responses to their harassment questionnaire. Many were afraid to share their stories, but the results spoke volumes. With responses from 1,129 individuals, it became evident that the problem of harassment in the healthcare sector was not just a whisper but a resounding issue that needed to be addressed to particular groups.

After a successful start

“Armed with the research findings, our team jointly developed a comprehensive strategy. Educational training on harassment, gender-based violence, and recognizing hate speech through a gender lens was conducted for 200 healthcare workers and female employees. The aim was to ensure that personal space and human rights for all, especially women, were respected within the workplace”, - says Ms. Baryktabasova.

Bermet's determination paid off. Through a well-executed media plan and communications strategy, the project gained momentum. Social media posts on sexual harassment in the medical field generated effective feedback and support. The Instagram account, which had a mere 80 followers before the project, witnessed a surge to around a thousand followers in a short time as the message resonated with a wider audience. Major media outlets in Kyrgyzstan wrote about Bermet and her research.

Extended impact

But the impact of Bermet's work extended far beyond social media likes, shares, and followers. Her project sparked a 10-fold increase in discussions surrounding harassment. Medical workers from various institutions began to raise their voices, emboldened by the momentum generated by Bermet's efforts. They joined her, recognizing that change was not only possible but imperative.

“Our ultimate goal is to present the research results to the Ministry of Health, advocating for the approval of developed documents. This, I truly believe, will be the crowning achievement of our collective labor, ensuring that the efforts to eliminate harassment in medical institutions remain an ongoing commitment”, - shares Ms. Baryktabasova.

This statement emphasizes her unwavering commitment, and indeed, Ms. Baryktabasova will persist in her efforts and continue her endeavors to advocate for a safe and supportive working space for healthcare workers in Kyrgyzstan.

Bermet Baryktabasova's journey is a demonstration of the power of determination, dedication, and the great courage to break the silence. By shedding light on the issue of sexual harassment in the healthcare sector that has been ignored for decades, she has not only given a voice to the voiceless but has also initiated a transformative movement in Kyrgyzstan to combat harassment and establish a safe and secure working environment.

***

The global Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls is a joint European Union and United Nations initiative being implemented in Kyrgyzstan since 2020. Spotlight Initiative enables women and girls to realize their right to a life free from discrimination, stigma, and all forms of violence.

By Gulaiym Shigaibaeva