You’re just a kelin
Aizat BFI team, 2014 – spring 2019, Bishkek “International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is commemorated on December 2nd every year. Here in Kyrgyzstan, this day should also be celebrated as the Day for the Abolition of Kelinization, which is basically slavery. Of course I wasn’t wearing shackles and chains, but I felt locked up. Every step outside of the house was allowed only with the permission of several family members. They expected me to work 24/7. I was forced to do this, because I kind of voluntarily and without compensation agreed to labor exploitation. I became a kelin. On top of this all, I had to quickly get pregnant, give birth, and get back to work,
all while remaining happy and well-groomed. However, having a baby brought me to my senses. I left my in-law’s house not knowing what I would do or how I would feed myself and my child. But these questions were the least of my concerns back then. I longed for freedom. Gradually, I got involved in social and political life through journalism, and soon I started to learn more about feminism through BFI’s internet initiatives. The path to liberation was set, and it continues now.”
Gulsana Women’s Peace Bank, Nookat, Osh oblast
“A village woman is always burdened with work. I also grew up in the village, but I lived in the center of the village so I only had to pick apples. We didn’t have any cattle or pick tobacco like other girls. When I grew up and became an adult, the first time I felt like a village woman was when my kainzhurt3 demanded in a very rude way that I pour tea. I was shocked by this demand, because I never 3
expected this from the family I married into. They were supposedly educated and intelligent people. My husband works in an international organization, but there was still this attitude towards the daughter-in-law, as if I were a lower being in the family. I really did not like the strict control over everything I did including how I walked around in the yard.”
Kyrgyz – “husband’s relatives
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