Political junkies don’t want symbolize their power with woman.
by Svetlana Dmitrieva | May 16, 2010 at 9:47 PM
In Bishkek the capital of Kyrgyz Republic on the central square stands monument which symbolizes Liberty / “Erkendic” it was set in 1999 in stead of Lenin monument. Monument is 12 meters height. There is a woman who is handling “tunduk” ,it symbolizes Kyrgyz government. (“tunduk” it is the top of “yurt”, “yurt” is the Kyrgyz self made house, like tent which is made of wood and wool) .
I can suppose that this monument is the Kyrgyz variant of “Liberty Statue” in USA.
Although, some representatives’ from political parties made tries to destroy it because they don`t want to associate their power, government of Kyrgyzstan with woman. They listed some reasons;
The hairdo of monument`s woman is the same as the temporary head of government has (Otumbaeva)
Also, there is kyrgyz superstitious saying “ wish your wife rise up “tunduk” it means unhappiness and disaster.
So, you can see how the male part of politicians “ ready” for giving access to women politicians
They trying to find reasons and excuses to justify their mistakes. I don’t believe that statue influences on situation in government , people do that.
Any way, combination of all listed reasons and political PR game doesn’t give them right to take away our choice.
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Crisis in Krygyzstan: Perspectives of Kyrgyz and Uzbek Youth
The United States Institute of Peace sponsored a panel discussion on August 17th at its Washington, DC office. Almost 100 people attended the 90 minute event which was helpful to anyone trying to understand the problems of the Ferghana Valley.
The discussions helped to build an understanding 'about the roles of youth during the conflict' in June 2010. Hearing from young people who had families present during the conflict brought knowledge of the different perspectives surrounding the conflict. The not always positive roles played by the media and local authorities was a topic of discussion, and how efforts to resolve the tensions might be promoted.
As I listened during the event, my mind wondered back to the six visits I made to Osh between 1998 and 2000. The various mountain chains that flow in the Himalayan Mountain ranges can be a tourist dream to explore, if private enterprise could be promoted safely.
The notes I took included comments from each of the 5 panelist.
- The June 2010 violence in the Ferghana Valley has created lots of trauma. Now the October 2010 elections are approaching; was there a link? A police mission will be sent in September 2010 for 4 months with 52 officers, and the possibility of adding another 50.
-The June 14th UN Security Council discussed the ability to “operationalize to Protect”. There are clearly structural challenges to be addressed. In the last year, remittances from expat Kyrgyz citizens have decreased. Human Rights Watch has issued an August 2010 report questioning who, if anyone, instigated and mobilize young people to become violent?
-There is a big role that social media played in helping to create an awareness of the violence going on. The Kyrgyz government does not have control, with the government falling after the violence. A call on June 11th from a family member in Osh saying “Uzbeks in Krygyzstan were being massacred”. Reports were that uniformed men were among the group causing the violence. NEGATIVE uses of social media were reported that spread false stories and misinformation. The ethnic communities were treated differently.
- Further investigation is needed. Parents working abroad have been targeted. The first violence occurred in a casino. Lots of provacative messages were being spread; that women and young girls had been raped. But also youth were delivering humanitarian assistance to the needy. FACEBOOK was used for both distribution of information and fund-raising. Inter-ethnic peacebuilding including youth is important.
- There is a very clear divide between rural and urban youth. Messages being spread were different. An Osh reality website provided situational coverage of events. the www.ferghana.ru website was found to be distributing false info. The media did a good job showing violence that was occuring, but was not able do good investigative reports about what caused the outbreak. A recommendation was tabled for the WISE use of power, and efforts to reframe that situation in a more positive manner.
- Racial discrimination was very apparent. It was hard to understand how an iron-fisted government was not able to provide security. No electricity to recharge cell phones was something noted. There is a need to better understand social media and how it might be used more effectively and efficiently.
- Read, YOUTH IN POST-CONFLICT RECONSTRUCTION: AGENTS OF CHANGE published in May 2010. It highlights how positive social change might be promoted among diaspora, especially from the west. There is a need to meet and share stories as well as develop a role model for diaspora youth helping to build their former countries. How do they help to build skills sets of youth back home that facilitate building of democratic principles.