International Activities
Outside of Latvia, Marta Centre actively supports women and children affected by war and violence, particularly in Ukraine, where the civil society organization "Marta Centre Ukraine" has been established. The organization collaborates with local NGOs, municipal, and state institutions to provide methodological and psychological support, foster community resilience, and advocate for women's rights.
MARTA implements development cooperation projects in Central Asia and provides individualized support to women's rights activists in various countries worldwide as needed—sharing expertise in strengthening gender equality, supporting the capacity building of local organizations, and promoting women's participation in decision-making and social processes.
MARTA in Central Asia
Central Asia—Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan—is a region where Marta Centre has built respectful partnerships for more than 15 years, sharing experience in promoting gender equality and reducing violence. This work is carried out in close cooperation with local civil society organizations, women's advisory groups, state institutions, and international networks.
Goal: Sustainable Change for Women
MARTA's activities in Central Asia are based on the conviction that lasting change occurs when local people are involved, heard, and empowered to act independently. We support local women’s initiatives and capacity building, promote inter-institutional cooperation, and work to ensure that gender equality becomes a practical reality—not only in law but in daily life.
Respectful Partnerships
In Central Asian countries, MARTA:
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Shares methodology and experience on how to identify and support victims of violence.
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Strengthens the capacity of local organizations and professionals in the regions.
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Collaborates with partners to develop policies and informational materials tailored to the local context.
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Supports public awareness initiatives to change attitudes toward violence.
MARTA does not seek to simply transplant solutions from one country to another; our work begins with listening, understanding, and co-creating, collaborating as equal partners.
Our Presence
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Uzbekistan: MARTA implements development cooperation initiatives focused on strengthening the safety of women and girls and creating more effective support systems for victims of violence. Simultaneously, it encourages the involvement of policymakers to put gender equality principles into practice.
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Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan: MARTA supports the capacity building of local initiatives through participation in joint training, experience exchanges, and the development of cooperation networks.
An Approach Based on Local Knowledge
We believe that effective development cooperation begins with an understanding of people's experiences and daily lives—both in cities and rural regions. It is in these areas where information, service accessibility, and support are often most lacking. Therefore, it is essential for the MARTA team not only to transfer knowledge but also to learn alongside our partners, adapting Latvian experience to the specific cultural, social, and political context.
International Recognition
Since 2011, Marta Centre has been a member of the Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID)—a global network that unites human rights activists to collectively defend the rights of women and girls worldwide.
Marta in the World
To achieve true gender equality, women's solidarity across borders is essential - mutual support in improving legislation, institutionalizing gender equality, including women's economic empowerment, access to education and the prevention of violence. Cooperation between civil society, public administration and the private sector is equally important.
MARTA believes that change happens when there are both strong informal networks and solid formal partnerships. Such networks have been built and strengthened for 25 years, and they are the foundation for a sustainable, inclusive and secure future for women around the world.