Since 2021, the U.S. government-sponsored Successful Aimak 2 project has improved the lives of 290,000 individuals across 42 partner municipalities across Kyrgyzstan. This initiative introduced 95 upgraded and new services, ranging from essential services like clean water supply and waste removal to enriching extracurricular activities such as English language classes, music clubs, and sports programs for village children. Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Development Policy Institute, the project facilitated one of the largest annual Forums of Aimaks last week. This Forum served as a platform for exchanging ideas to enhance public services and improve the quality of life in rural villages and cities.
The Forum this year highlighted the pivotal role that women play in promoting positive changes within their local communities. Over 150 representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, and local governments across the Batken, Issyk-Kul, Jalal-Abad, Naryn, and Osh regions attended the Forum. Women leaders from various aiyl aimaks (village communities) shared their experiences as local council deputies and community leaders and encouraged women to seek more political representation. They also discussed their efforts to enhance local legislation and services through discussions with other community members.
“Support your daughters, sisters, wives, and mothers who decide to run for elected positions! Women, take inspiration from the female leaders sharing their experiences today at the Forum of Aimaks and boldly follow their examples!” said Ms. Nurzhan Shaildabekova, Chairperson of the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums of Kyrgyzstan.
Ms. Kaya Adams, the USAID Mission Director in Kyrgyzstan, highlighted the importance of collaboration between civil society and government in improving residents’ well-being: “Today, at the Forum, we celebrate women’s achievements with real stories of leadership. Women leaders demonstrate resilience, vision, and compassion. They transform communities with their innovative ideas and unique perspectives”.
Photo: U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan
