SUSI 2018
Having observed that most schools in Astana are hesitant to allow sexual education events for their students, and the topic of reproductive health is mostly taboo in the country, Makhabbat partnered with the Youth Peer Education Network (Y-PEER) to conduct train the trainer workshops to expand student access to, and awareness of this important topic. Together, they recruited and trained twelve volunteers who were able to deliver trainings to students in 7-9th grades on HIV/AIDS, contraception, STIs/STDs, gender, leadership, and bullying. Since Y-PEER is affiliated with the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), Makhabbat and her fellow volunteers were also able to participate in several focus groups, round tables and conferences to raise their concerns around sexual health education. They even held a performance depicting a story of unwanted pregnancy, enforced marriage and domestic abuse, that included audience discussion on alternative scenarios and preventative measures.
Having impacted over 100 youth and young adults through these events in Astana, Makhabbat and the Y-PEER network plan to continue elevating their work by collaborating with UNFPA to advocate for sexual education to be offered as a mandatory discipline for high schoolers nation-wide.
Reflecting on her experience, Makhabbat writes, “While working on this project, I have acquired a community of people who care about the same things as I do, and who inspire me to work harder on these topics and raise concerns and voices of youth in the country. As a person who is planning to continue her education in gender and gender-related research in sociology in the Central Asian region, this project made it possible for me to know the problems in the society, and, especially youth, that are workable. This knowledge causes me and like-minded people in my surroundings to strive for a healthier, more educated and equitable world by starting with what is the closest - our own people.”
Shokhinakhon created a campus club to serve as safe space for college and high school students to share and discuss issues of their concern with their peers. The driving motivation to establish the club came from an abrupt decision by her university to double the tuition rates. Understandably, this policy change resulted in severe student unrest and anxiety. As more members joined from neighboring schools, the club soon evolved into a conflict resolution focus. Using books, materials the skills she gained from her SUSI experience, Shokhinakhon successfully moderated discussions on a weekly basis. The club operated for a full semester, and according to Shokhinakhon, club members noticed significant positive changes in their interpersonal relationships after applying what they learned in the club in their daily lives.
The project continued to grow...
Shokhinakhon writes, “This small project was a good experience which inspired me and led me to believe that I can do even more. After graduation, I applied to the American Center Tashkent for a small grant for women's discussion club, which was successful. Now I am an instructor and a mentor for 100 girls within this club. The WomanUP club is a youth-focused discussion club to empower and support young women. It is for them, about them, and partly led by them. It provides a safe environment where they can discuss topics that specifically relate to them. The discussion club encourages free expression and allows space for organic conversation. Skills for stress-relief, peer-connection, positive identity and self-esteem development, and healthy relationships building are developed and practiced.”