On the eve of International Women's Day on March 8, the city of Almaty, Kazakhstan will hold a citizens' rally with the theme "For a Better Life for Women."
Kazakhstani social activist Bibinur Sheraliyeva announced the news through her personal social media.
- We sent a notification letter to the Almaty City Government stating that we will hold a citizen rally with the theme "For a Better Life for Women" in Mahatma Gandhi Park in Almaty on March 7. We received a response letter from the city agreeing to hold the rally. During this rally, a series of current issues related to women’s rights in society will be raised. In addition, many demands aimed at improving women's rights and interests will be put forward. - Bibinur Sheraliyeva writes.
Social activists also published the content of the government's reply online.
According to pictures posted on its social media, the response from the Almaty City Government was issued on February 21, which stated:
- In accordance with the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the Regulation of the Organization and Holding of Peaceful Assemblies, after reviewing the notification letter submitted by citizen Bibinur Selaliyeva on February 19, 2024, the Almaty Municipal Government Formal decision: 1. Agree with Bibinur Sheraliyeva to hold a citizen rally in Mahatma Gandhi Park in Almaty from 12:00 to 14:00 on March 8, 2024; 2. The implementation of the resolutions in this document will be supervised by the relevant deputy mayor.
On March 8, 2023, a women’s rights rally with the theme of International Women’s Day was also organized in Mahatma Gandhi Park in Almaty. At that time, about 500 people participated.
It is worth mentioning that Kazakhstan has been increasing its legislative protection of women’s rights in recent years. On February 28, 2024, the Lower House of Kazakhstan’s Parliament (Magilis) adopted a legal amendment aimed at protecting the rights of women and children at its plenary session.
Speaker Erlan Khosanov said:
- The issue of domestic violence has always been one of the focuses of social attention, and it is also a realistic and acute problem. Due to the existence of perpetrators and abusers, many families are broken up, many women have a rough fate, and many children suffer. Next, we will have laws to follow and harsher penalties for domestic crimes. I think this is a very right choice. Overall, we must not tolerate violence against women and children.
According to current laws and regulations, after the police receive a report of a domestic violence case and verify the relevant circumstances, they can still initiate legal proceedings against the perpetrator even if the victim does not file a complaint. According to the newly passed amendments, domestic violence cases will also be included in "criminal violations" and be handled.
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