Upanai Zhanybek kyzy at a first glance appears to be not so different from other girls, but still there is something standing her out. What makes the difference are her dreams, efforts, and plans.  She was able to overcome an archaic bedrock which entails girls being invisible part of society. This is well tailored in the proverb “kyzga kyrk uidon tyuu”, which means “Ban for girls’ initiatives from 40 sides”. But all this is not about Upanai. Step by step she managed to overcome all obstacles appearing on her way and changed others’ attitudes.

Upanai studied at one of the schools located in the border area. She is the youngest in the family of five children. She experienced all the hardships of rural children. In addition to the study, she helped at home, supported the grandfather. She was as many other students from rural schools. Once she felt that her dream that she was cherishing might not come true when her grandfather began strongly opposing to getting an education in the capital or in other cities. Moreover, relatives intervened in choosing a profession:

«I’ve lived an ordinary childhood living in a rural area not different from many other children from my country. Life in the village means limited conditions and opportunities for self-development and personal growth. But I had a strong desire and goal to become a specialist in the field of law, to serve as a human rights defender. Nearer to the end of my school life, I felt pressure from my grandfather and other relatives and as a result, it was decided that I should become a primary school teacher.

 At some point, I gave up and I felt that I would not achieve my goal and I would not go to study in the capital, where I could get a law degree at one of the state universities. I was stressed as If I would speak out against anyone taking decision changing the essence of my life path, I could create tension and having a risk not getting a higher education at all. I had no choice and entered the pedagogical faculty of Bakten State University.

 So I finished the first course. But my dream and goal to become a lawyer were stronger than me, they were chasing me. For a whole year, I struggled with my relative trying to convince them on the importance of following my dreams and all the time I voiced the need to go to the faculty of law. Finally, I managed to transfer to Law faculty in my second year of study at the same university.” 

Now, Upanai participates in various conferences and debates, enriching her knowledge acquired at the university. During the summer holidays, she volunteered in the law clinic providing primary free legal aid within the UNDP Project on «Promotion Kyrgyzstan’s Youth Cohesion and Interaction towards Uzbekistan». Upanay says that this was the first practical step towards activities in the field of human rights and legal awareness:

 “In addition to studying, on vacations, I volunteered in the Aidarken city providing primary free legal aid within the frame of the project. There I met people in need of affordable legal assistance. This was my first experience when I had to deal with people in need face to face. Analyzing cases, I came to the conclusion that people suffer from a lack of knowledgebase in the field of rights. In particular, women experience difficulties in terms of property rights, receiving alimony, etc.

At a certain point, I understood how important my work is. I realized, that I am achieving goals, I set initially. Suddenly, I understood what prompted me to this goal? In the regions, women and girls remain outside of the decision-making processes. Ignoring their interests has become a “tradition”. But I do not want to put up with this situation. I think I’ve chosen my own path - I will protect the rights of children and women, they must be full and active participants in the development of society, knowing their rights, they must choose their profession, promote their candidacy in the elections, be involved in the decision-making processes,” said Upanai Zhanibek kyzy.

Upanai Zhanybek kyzy achieved her goal and still, there is so much to reach in years to come. She perfectly managed to convince her family members that she has rights to build her professional future by avoiding creating tension and using effectively negotiating skills allowing her to gradually achieve her goal. Now she works, helping and supporting youth in need of primary legal support, at the same time, raising youth legal awareness and the level of her own practical consulting skills, helping her peers, thereby taking part in the development of local society, in self-development, in decision-making.