Discussion Forum on Improving Legal Literacy and Promoting Zero Tolerance for Violence against Women at KAFU

Today, the Kazakh-American Free University (KAFU) hosted a discussion forum dedicated to the important topic of increasing legal literacy and promoting zero tolerance for forced marriage, stalking, and other forms of violence against women. The event was a significant step in the implementation of an information campaign to protect women’s rights and also contributed to participants’ increased awareness of the serious social and legal challenges facing women in society.

The discussion forum was organized with the goal of not only discussing key issues related to violence in its various forms but also identifying ways to combat this violence and developing practical steps to improve legal literacy among a wider audience. During the event, participants examined not only the legal aspects of the issue but also methods of prevention, maintaining public safety, and providing emotional support to victims.

The following keynote speakers performed at the discussion:

• Erkin B. Sattybaev, Deputy Chief of the Ust-Kamenogorsk City Police Department and Police Lieutenant Colonel. In his speech, he discussed current initiatives and activities aimed at combating violence against women in the region. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between government agencies and public organizations to improve the effectiveness of this work.

• Nurgul T. Sayazhanova, Senior Inspector of the Domestic Violence Department of the Public Safety Department and Police Major. She presented specific measures taken by the police to protect victims of violence, including efforts to identify and prevent cases of forced marriage and stalking, as well as efforts to ensure the safety of women in socially vulnerable situations.

• Ekaterina Y. Chernova, Major of Justice, Psychologist at Institution № 24 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In her speech, she spoke in detail about the legal assistance and psychological support provided by relevant services to victims of violence. Particular attention was paid to the importance of psychological rehabilitation and restoring the trust of female victims in law enforcement.

• Ermek Mukhametzhanov, a doctoral student at KAFU and deputy director of the KAFU Higher College, presented educational programs aimed at increasing legal awareness among students and spoke about the importance of shaping public opinion and the active participation of young people in addressing social issues such as violence against women.

Furthermore, the event raised the importance of fostering zero tolerance for violence in society as a whole. The speakers emphasized that in the modern world, there is no justification for any form of violence, and each of us must play an active role in changing the situation.

At the end of the event, all participants expressed their intention to continue working on further development of legal literacy and raise awareness about violence against women across various social strata and age groups. The need for collaboration between educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, and public organizations in addressing these issues was also emphasized.

KAFU thanks all participants for their active participation in the discussion and their willingness to further collaborate in the areas of legal education and women’s rights protection. Our joint efforts will contribute to the creation of a safer and more just society for all.