Innovative Strategies to Combat Violence Against Women Highlighted in Upcoming Webinar

The Footage Foundation, in collaboration with El-Agartuu, is spearheading a critical initiative to tackle violence against women through a webinar titled 'Using Innovative Methods in the Prevention of Violence Against Women'. Scheduled for June 17, 2025, this event is the first in a series designed to explore and implement evidence-based strategies to combat this global issue. The webinar will present findings from a recent needs assessment in Kyrgyzstan, highlighting the role of storytelling and compassionate approaches in violence prevention.

Initial research conducted between December 2024 and January 2025 involved 108 participants, including government officials, NGO workers, and survivors of violence. The study revealed that 73% of violence victims suffer from poor mental health and are in dire need of counseling services. These findings point to a critical gap in services, emphasizing the necessity for better-trained government staff, stronger NGO collaboration, and more robust support systems for survivors, including access to safe housing and income-generating opportunities.

Dr. Kristen Ali Eglinton of the Footage Foundation and Nurzhan Tulegabylova of Kyrgyz El Agartuu Public Association have both underscored the significance of these findings. Their statements reflect a shared vision for a world where violence against women is prevented through awareness, professional capacity building, and the creation of trusting, connected communities. The upcoming webinar not only aims to share these insights but also to spark a global conversation on effective, compassionate strategies to end violence against women, showcasing the transformative power of community education and the urgent need to challenge harmful societal norms.