“Panorama Shymkenta”, # 3, 18/01/2008
E. Berdigalieva

   Hadicha Abysheva, the president of the Legal Center for Women’s Initiatives “Sana Sezim”, has the horoscope of Scorpio. Under this sign people have a complex nature and are contradictory, but more often purposeful. They say: even if the turbulent river flows in reverse, they will not let the course of events disrupt their aspirations and desires. Despite the obstacles they have, they will have a successful finale. This is really so. In the past year the Legal Center for Women's Initiatives “Sana Sezim”, headed by H. Abysheva, was considered the best among NGOs in the South Kazakhstan Region by a regional forum on women working to promote “human rights”. In an age of pragmatism and a general political inertia, to win the title of the best for public work is very valuable.
   Last year the NGO “Sana Сеzім” was busy with meetings with the participants of seminars on fighting human trafficking, and training seminars for the protection of the rights of women and children and their rights to live free from violence. Volunteers under the NGO have conducted charity events – collections of clothing, books, and toys for orphans. Through the psychological and legal services, the center consulted and gave support to hundreds of people trapped in difficult situations.
   So, the president of the best NGO.
   - Hadicha, what qualities do you think the head of an NGO should have?
   - Enthusiasm, the ability to organize and unite like-minded people, a democratic approach, the ability to react quickly to different situations, and have entrepreneurial characteristics.
   - How is your day? Difficult?
   - I cannot say difficult day because the whole day, while busy, is interesting. Time flies by and we do not have enough days to implement all that we plan. Difficult suggests what you are doing is a loveless affair, but I love my job.
   - What attributes are not acceptable for the work of NGOs?
   - An authoritarian, mercantile approach is not acceptable and creates unhealthy competition among NGOs.
   - What makes you angry?
   - Dishonest people disrespecting someone else's time.
   - What surprised you in the past year?
   - The desire of government agencies to cooperate with NGOs. There was a time when it seemed that this was impossible, or at least it seemed that we would need more time to do so.
   - What do you think makes an NGO?
   - The ability to work in a team, enable people to grow, develop, approve, and support ideas and initiatives. It is important that every employee feel a part of this organization, and it must be able to attract supporters.
   - Which “Weapons” do you most often resort to in order to achieve these goals?
   - Sincerity and honesty towards myself and the other people.
   - Tell me about your family.
   - I have two daughters. The eldest, Diane and just three months ago, Amin was born. Thanks to my mom and her husband, I have the opportunity to work an unlimited amount of time and to go on business trips, to translate ideas into reality, and achieve goals.
   - Do you have to sacrifice something?
   - I think not. Maybe I have a little less time to engage my children in person, but I have my mother, for which I am very grateful to her.
   - Were there mistakes?
   - Of course, there have been mistakes, but not so much that they have brought great harm to my work or family. If we are wrong, then we work and develop the problem. I adhere to the philosophy that to prevent further problems be more vigilant and careful.
   - What gives you the power at the time of dismay and stress?
   - In my grief, I am given more incentives for further development and learning than complete harmony in all things.
   - Your dream.
   - I want my daughters to receive a good education, and grow up valuable citizens of their country.
   - Your recipe for success.
   - Being honest and respectful towards myself, towards other people, and all – that’s the recipe for success!