This story was created within the project “Empowering Voices for Inclusive Development: Strengthening Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Uzbekistan, focusing on women and youth”, financially supported by the European Union.
Every morning, she arrives at the hospital a little before the workday begins. She walks carefully but confidently through familiar corridors, greets colleagues politely, and takes her place at her desk. Neat. Punctual. Focused. For many years now, this has been her routine. She is 44 years old. She is an economist at a public hospital. She has a higher education and long professional experience. She has been living with HIV for more than ten years. Since childhood, she has had cerebral palsy. She is a widow and lives alone.
At work, however, none of these facts define her. What defines her is her professionalism. She never asked for special conditions. She never complained. Work was not only her source of income—it was her independence, her dignity, and her way of saying to the world: I belong here. I have the right to a full life.
That sense of belonging began to crack quietly. It started with raised voices. Sharp remarks. Public comments that made her feel small. Then came humiliation disguised as “management,” pressure masked as “concern,” and repeated hints that it would be better if she “left on good terms.” Day by day, the atmosphere around her became heavier. This was happening in a hospital—a place meant to heal, protect, and care.
She endured it silently. She told herself not to overreact. Not to attract attention. Gradually, the pressure sank deeper. She began to feel guilty for causing “problems.” She started to believe that what was happening was somehow her fault—that she was failing, that she wasn’t strong enough. The violence did not leave bruises. It left doubt.
The turning point came when she finally agreed to a consultation with a specialist. She sat down and began to describe what she had been living through. When she finished, the specialist said something simple—but life-changing: “This isn’t a conflict. This is violence.” For the first time, the weight lifted from her shoulders. Those words shifted responsibility away from her and placed it where it belonged. She realized she was not weak. She was not failing. Her rights were being violated.
Soon after, a lawyer joined the process. She learned—step by step—about her labor and civil rights. She learned that discrimination based on disability or health status is prohibited. That degrading treatment in the workplace is unacceptable. That protection mechanisms exist. All support was provided confidentially, without disclosure of her medical information or personal data.
With support of STIQBOLLI AVLOD, she took a step she once thought was impossible. A formal complaint was filed. The facts were confirmed. The hearing was held behind closed doors to ensure confidentiality. The outcome was clear: the manager received a disciplinary sanction, the woman was awarded moral compensation, and protective measures were introduced. When it was over, she returned to work. But she returned different. She no longer apologizes for herself. She speaks more confidently. She no longer feels the need to justify her presence, her body, or her life. She knows now that dignity is not something you have to earn—it is something you are entitled to.
This story is not only about living with HIV. It is not only about disability. It is about multiple vulnerabilities—and how easily violence can hide behind routine, authority, and silence. It is about the power of naming violence for what it is, and about timely access to psychological and legal support.
Change begins with stories like this—stories where people are heard, protected, and given back what was always theirs: their voice, their safety, and their dignity.
PS. With financial support from the European Union and in partnership with local organizations in Uzbekistan, AFEW International is implementing the project “Empowering Voices for Inclusive Development: Strengthening Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Uzbekistan, focusing on women and youth.” This project strengthens 15 local CSOs that support people living with HIV, with a special focus on women and youth. Using the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, the project works to fight stigma and discrimination and build stronger, more inclusive communities.
In September one of our partners STIQBOLLI AVLOD launched a new project to reduce stigma and discrimination. The goal is not only to protect women and girls living with HIV but also to create a safer and more supportive environment for them. This will be done by building strong dialogue with government agencies, offering training, and creating long-term solutions.
