About the project

The association “Centre MARTA” is implementing the project "Safety and Freedom for Girls and Women in Uzbekistan" from 2024 to 2026 (project no. NDICI CSO/2023/453-121), in cooperation with the local partner Civic Initiatives Support Centre (CISC). The project is implemented with the financial support of the European Union and lasts for 30 months.

The project aims to improve the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) and strengthen compliance with the law, especially with regard to the new Uzbek laws on the protection of women's rights. It develops a methodology for recognizing violence and supporting victims, while promoting the practical involvement of policymakers in the implementation of the laws.

Target audience

• Women and girls – victims of violence or representatives of risk groups
• Local civil society organizations (CSOs)
• Women Advisory Groups (WAG) counselors, social workers, psychologists
• Policymakers and community leaders

What are we doing?

• Organizing a needs assessment focus group for representatives of CSOs and institutions (May 8, 2024 in Tashkent)
• We are developing a culture-specific and trauma-informed methodology for recognizing violence and providing assistance
• We are publishing the information brochure “Safe and Free Life” in Uzbek and Russian, with a planned distribution of 5,000 copies throughout Uzbekistan
• We are training 30 local trainers and consultants (Training of Trainers) – representatives of CSOs and women's advisory groups
• We organize 3–5 public awareness campaigns in the regions
• We organize a roundtable discussion with policymakers to promote practical support and implementation of the laws

Expected results

• 30 trained local trainers and consultants – resource persons in their communities
• 5,000 brochures distributed to help recognize violence and provide information about assistance options
• 10,000 residents reached in information campaigns
• Local CSOs are able to effectively identify and support victims of violence
• Policymakers are actively engaged in reducing gender-based violence and respecting rights

Partnership

The project is implemented in collaboration with:
• Civic Initiative Support Center – the main partner of the project in Uzbekistan
• NIHOL – an initiative center that will practically and organizationally provide financial support to third parties (local organizations) that will implement public awareness activities
• Local NGOs and women's advisory groups in different regions of Uzbekistan

Contact us: madara.grinsteine@marta.lv

This project is funded by the European Union. The contents are the sole responsibility of the MARTA Centre and can in no way be taken to reflect the official position of the European Union.

The event is financially supported by the Society Integration Fund from the Latvian state budget funds allocated by the Ministry of Culture.