“Omir-Aina”, # 09 (93), 06/03/2008
hotline operator, NGO “Sana Sezim”
Z. Usmanova

   The rights of women are inalienable human rights, i.e. rights that a woman is simply entitled to because she is human. It would seem that this would be a fact, but many people refuse to acknowledge equal rights to women. This diminution of human dignity of women contributes to discrimination and violence, the restriction of women's freedom on religious and cultural grounds, and the reluctance of government bodies to deal with issues related to domestic violence. Violence against women and girls is a serious violation of women's rights and human rights. In all cases, it leads to misery, despair, broken families, long-term mental or mental disorders, and ultimately to negative social and economic consequences for society as a whole.
   Human rights require the eradication of such practices as treating women as “lower beings”. We women can be very audacious and ambitious in public life, and we can approach these problems in different ways. However this fight for equality is a component of a broader issue, the struggle for human rights. Another example of the interrelationship of human rights is its link between violence against women and poverty. When a husband beats his wife the law enforcement agencies are slow to address this issue seriously, which additionally violates civil rights. When a woman breaks from this relationship she is often faced with poverty because of the discrimination in employment.
   In late December, the Legal Center for Women’s Initiatives “Sana Sezim” received a cal from a 25-year old woman named Asiya. She had been married five years with two young children, and her husband regularly beat her and the children while under the influence of alcohol. Asiya had repeatedly appealed to the authorities, but no measures had been taken. Wardens had sometimes talked to the perpetrator, detained him, but quickly released him. The last two years, the husband had not been working regularly. She was not able to find work because she had young children. She also lived with her mother-in-law who threatened that if she divorced her son that she and her children would not get anything. That is, it is clear that women do not receive the protection which is guaranteed by the State Constitution and its international obligations. She was violated physically, by her integrity, and security. Staff from “Sana Sezim” escorted Asiyu to the district ATS, where a statement was prepared about taking action against her husband. Also, lawyers from the center took the case under their supervision.
   Human rights are more than a set of laws based on these principles. It is a value system that includes actions to ensure respect for the dignity and the effective recognition of the values of each individual. Addressing women's rights in this context is an integral part of an international perspective on the ethical principles that define a just society. With financial support of the Commission for the Development of Democracy at the U.S. Embassy, the Legal Center for Women's Initiatives “Sana Sezim” is providing expert advice with the project “Know your rights!” Our assistance is free and confidential.
   Solving the problem is in your hands! Defend the rights of women! For all your questions, call NGO “Sana Sezim” at their telephone “hotline””: 56-27-32, 56-47-54.