Is it possible to justify violence? Referring to difficult financial or domestic circumstances, to endure pain from those who were considered the closest and dearest? And is there a way out?

Shavkatova S. (actual name changed) is a stay-at-home-mum, who was regularly subjected to domestic violence from her husband and other relatives. This violence, partially explained by the family’s economic difficulties, worsened her mental state, ultimately referring her to 'Mehrjon' centre. When she arrived at the 'Mehrjon' centre, as per specialists, her condition was severe, with suicidal behaviours. Psychological and legal services were provided by the staff, and in March 2021 Shavkatova S. joined the reintegration programme which is specifically designed to advance women’s rights through enhanced protection and self employment. In spite of all the difficulties, she was an active participant of vocational training courses during the reintegration programme. As a result, she developed a business plan to launch her own small business and presented it to the centre. The business plan was deemed eligible for funding, and Shavkatova S. was provided with all necessary equipment.

Today I feel like an independent woman with my own business and a steady income, as well as a happy mother - a role model for my children - young entrepreneurs who now are getting new skills and willing to learn every day, - Shavkatova shares.

Today, her family has recovered and runs its own small confectionery business, placing orders for weddings and ceremonies not only from the Fergana region, but also from the Andijan region. She is a very happy mother whose regular job now provides her with sufficient economic opportunities. Thanks to her small business, she has found a job for herself and her eldest daughter. This success was covered by the TV and radio channels of the Fergana region.

In order to improve the environment and protect the violence-affected women to advance women’s rights and women’s empowerment the European Union has funded the ACTED project on Strengthening Civil Society to Advance Women’s Rights through Advocacy, Protection and Empowerment. From January 2020 to December 2021 the project was implemented in Samarkand, Bukhara and Fergana regions as well as in Tashkent city covering 2500 violence affected women in rural and remote communities; 125 violence-affected women from Fergana region enrolled in a reintegration programme; 600 girls from rural areas.

Education and professional skills development play a fundamental role in achieving gender equality. 2023 has been announced as the European Year of Skills. At the same time, it is also important to create favorable conditions where there is no place for any form of violence for the education and acquisition of these skills by girls and women.

#StopVAWG #EndGBV #EuropeanYearofSkills