Since 2022 AFEW International in partnership with ISHONCH VA HAYOT, and with financial support from the European Union, is implementing the program “Advocating vulnerable groups’ rights through a stronger civil society in Uzbekistan”. This program helped hundreds of representatives of underserved populations in Uzbekistan (women, people with disabilities, people living with or at high risk of HIV and migrants) to protect their rights and freedoms. One of these people is Zilola (the name was changed).
When Zilola was just three years old, she was diagnosed with HIV. It was already clear at that time that she would face many obstacles and difficulties in her future life.
“As a teenager, I was a very depressed girl and I needed psychological help – says Zilola. One day I was approached by peer counsellors of “ISHONCH VA HOYOT”, who worked at the City AIDS Centre. The peer counsellors suggested I see a psychologist and attend a self-help group. This decision was a turning point in my life”. With the help of specialists, Zilola slowly but surely, step by step, began to integrate into society and receive the necessary support. At first, she was withdrawn and shy, avoided socialising and could not even say her name in the closed self-help group. But gradually, thanks to the support and encouragement of others, Zilola began to open up. She actively participated in classes, and socialised with other group members. This was her first step towards self-development and self-expression.
“Once I got an opportunity to become an HIV counselling trainer. I did not miss the chance. Together with other enterprising teenagers, I took part in a youth project supported by a mini-grant of the project “Protecting the Rights of Vulnerable Groups through Strengthening Civil Society in Uzbekistan” funded by the European Union. After gaining the necessary skills and knowledge, I became an official volunteer, helping other people living with HIV”.
Zilola’s commitment and zeal did not go unnoticed by project organizers, leading to an invitation for her to serve as a speaker in mini-sessions on HIV prevention and awareness at secondary schools. This role allowed her to share her insights and experiences with a broader audience, enhancing education and awareness among young people. Now 22, Zilola exemplifies how determination and perseverance can transform personal challenges into opportunities to positively impact one’s life and the lives of others. Her story is a beacon of success and an inspiration to many.
For reference
AFEW International, in partnership with ISHONCH VA HAYOT, and with financial support from the European Union, is implementing the programme “Advocating vulnerable groups’ rights through a stronger civil society in Uzbekistan”. It is dedicated to empowering underserved groups in Uzbekistan, such as people vulnerable to discrimination – women, people with disabilities, people living with or at high risk of HIV and migrants, and to protect their rights and freedoms through strengthening and building local CSOs’ own organisations and capacities, thereby strengthening civil society in Uzbekistan.
By giving voice to vulnerable groups and seeking to participate in decision-making, the project contributes to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 16 on developing an inclusive society and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions.
PS. THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN PRODUCED WITH THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION. THE CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF ISHONCH VA HAYOT AND AFEW INTERNATIONAL AND CAN UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES BE REGARDED AS REFLECTING THE POSITION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION.
