Advocacy

“People in other organizations carried out their initiatives, but they needed technical, fiscal, advisory and sponsorship assistance. They began to turn to Labrys, because it was a fairly well-known organization in Kyrgyzstan and throughout Central Asia. At first we randomly provided what they needed, but then we realized that we probably needed another program that would regulate and describe the work in this program. If we’re providing consultations, then what kind of consultations and how much time do we give them?

Madina “We understand that we need to change the masses, because that is where the wrong information is spread. That is where you deal with deeply-rooted stereotypes and traditions. We have to host advocacy events to get the attention of the general public and to show where they can find help. Any person facing with with violence and inequality begins to focus on herself and retreat into herself. The broad masses need to be given the right information by the people who have faced injustice, and it is important to do this to minimize the risk of increased incidences of violence, gender inequality and get the public to understand that there is punishment for perpetrators and help and consultation for victims. Therefore, if we want to change something, we must talk about it openly and broadly in collaboration with other partners so that our approach is not aggressive but positive. It is necessary to talk about this.”

Diana

Labrys, Bishkek

If there is technical support, then how can we respond to requests, and what requests can we respond to at all? Labrys understood the need for a program like this. Now this program is engaged in partnerships and communication with initiative groups and organizations registered in Central Asia as well as building internal

Harm reduction network, Bishkek

Alla

partnerships.”

“Of course, there must be a strategy. Suppose we take advocacy. To advance our interests, we must advocate everyday. Everyday, we must declare that we exist, that we are cool, but the methods can be different, depending on the situation and who you are talking to.”

Madina

“We use different instruments to influence different spheres of society. We can convey information to some officials only by advocating our interests.”