Global Campus Central Asia hosted its annual International Women’s Day event, “Gender Issues in Central Asia,” on 6 March 2026, fostering vital discussions on the rights of women and girls across the region. The hybrid event drew both in-person and online participants, featuring international experts, alumni, and students who shared insights on pressing gender-related challenges.
The event opened with welcome remarks, followed by keynote speeches from Dr. Pál Dunay, Director of the OSCE Academy. The keynote session included presentations on the OSCE’s human dimension work on gender equality by Mr. Christopher Blair (OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek) and on bridging policy and practice for justice by Dr. Syed Sadiq (UN Women Kyrgyzstan). Anticipated talks were also delivered by UNICEF Deputy Representative Ms. Ana Dautovic and OSCE WIN National Project Officer Ms. Aigerim Toktogulova.
A moderated panel then highlighted student and alumni research, featuring presentations on early marriage in Kyrgyzstan by current MAHRS student Aiperi Boronbaeva; Central Asian women migrants in the United States by PS alumna Leyli Yuldashova; child marriage in Afghanistan by MAHRS Alumna Maryam Nesar; CEDAW implementation in Kazakhstan by MAHRS Alumna Darya Vasilenko; and Afghan refugee testimonies by MAHRS student Shokhista Kayumova.
Supported by Right Livelihood, the event amplified youth voices in advancing gender equality. Social media coverage reflected high engagement, highlighting student-led discussions on women’s and girls’ rights in Central Asia and Afghanistan. The gathering underscored ongoing progress in tackling issues such as early marriage, migration, discrimination, and the rights of women and girls affected by displacement.
