CSI Hosts Learning Event for Members of School for Advancement of Gender Equality

The Civil Society Initiative (CSI) of UCA’s Graduate School of Development organised a learning event for members of the Community of Practice, established under the School for the Advancement of Gender Equality (SAGE). The event, held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and Dushanbe, Tajikistan attracted 85 representatives from civil society, academia, and international organisations from both countries.

The event marked the completion of the third cycle of SAGE. In addition to a certificate ceremony recognising the achievements of participants in the Advanced Advocacy Course, the event featured sessions on the new NGO law in Kyrgyzstan, the current state of NGOs in Tajikistan, and a workshop on strategic planning for CSOs, with an emphasis on transitioning from grants to financial sustainability.

“The issues raised by the School are highly relevant, including questions about laws in the Kyrgyz Republic and the changing conditions for civil society. It was particularly useful to hear the perspectives of our colleagues, understand the challenges they face, and learn about the strategies they are beginning to implement in this new environment,” said Aizhan Sharshenova, Director of the Analytical Center Crossroads Central Asia.

Larisa Kuznetsova, Director of the Public Foundation "Smile.KG", shared her experience: “The School provides not only a wealth of knowledge but also valuable contacts, meetings, new acquaintances, and opportunities for partnership and cooperation. We have gained extensive community practice in expanding our efforts, all aimed at ensuring we receive knowledge of gender equality, a comprehensive understanding of gender roles, and support for people with disabilities, elderly citizens, children, and migrants. This knowledge enables us to apply it effectively in our work.”

UCA's Civil Society Initiative, with the support of the Government of Canada-funded regional programme launched SAGE in 2021. The aim of the programme is capacity-building in gender equality and gender advocacy, providing a platform for peer support, knowledge sharing, and the piloting of innovative projects through the small grants programme for civil society organisations, women's groups, community leaders, journalists, and bloggers in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.