Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz Republic’s adaptation of WINGS is a face-to-face, individual counseling intervention led by trained social workers, psychologists, or peer counselors. The sessions use motivational interviewing techniques to support a wide range of women, including those who use drugs, engage in sex work, live with HIV, are rural or migrant women, in identifying experiences of gender-based violence (GBV), developing safety plans, and accessing legal, health, and psychosocial support.

Where and How

Since 2013, it has provided one-on-one counseling through trained staff in NGOs, crisis centers, and medical settings, reaching over 1,000 women. Women located in Bishkek, Chui, Osh, Karakol, and Naryn have participated in WINGS sessions conducted in Russian and Kyrgyz language. The initiative is led by Danil Nikitin, Chairperson of the Global Research Institute (GLORI) Foundation, and has received support from organizations such as Soros Foundation Kyrgyzstan, Open Society Foundations, UNDP, and the Kyrgyz Ministry of Labor and Social Development.

Impact Highlights

Over 1,000 women have received WINGS services in Kyrgyzstan since 2013.
WINGS has successfully reached diverse and underserved groups across urban and rural areas.
The model was adapted to include versions tailored for rural populations and survivors of severe GBV, and has helped foster multi-sectoral collaboration across social, health, and legal sectors.

Challenges

Linking women to government-run social protection services remains a challenge, particularly for those actively using drugs. There are barriers to employment, housing, and legal aid, especially for marginalized women. Service providers often face resource constraints and high demand, making sustainability a continuing concern.

FUNDING PARTNERS

Soros Foundation Kyrgyzstan, Open Society Foundations, UNDP, Kyrgyz Ministry of Labor and Social Development, and the BEARR Trust Fund.

Recent Publications

Nikitin,D,Bessonova,A,Gilbert,L,Jiwatram-Negron,T,&Terlikbayeva,A.(2025).WINGS in Kyrgyzstan:An intervention for gender-based violence prevention.In NGO involvement in drug treatment and infectious disease prevention in Central Asia and China(pp.179-200).Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH&Co.KG.

Jiwatram-Negron, T., Meinhart, M., Ward, M., Michalopoulos, L., Zhan, Q., Nikitin, D., & Gilbert, L. (2024). Associations between different forms of intimate partner violence and posttraumatic stress among women who use drugs and alcohol in Kyrgyzstan. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 37(2), 318–327.

Jiwatram-Negrón, T., Hunt, T., Nikitin, D., Rychkova, O., Ermolaeva, I., Sharonova, N., … Gilbert, L. (2018). An exploratory study of economic abuse among substance-involved women in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia. Journal of Substance Use, 23(4), 358–365.

Gilbert, L., Jiwatram-Negron, T., Nikitin, D., Rychkova, O., McCrimmon, T., Ermolaeva, I., Sharonova, N., Mukambetov, A., & Hunt, T. (2017). Feasibility and preliminary effects of a screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment model to address gender-based violence among women who use drugs in Kyrgyzstan: Project WINGS (Women Initiating New Goals of Safety). Drug and Alcohol Review, 36(1), 125–133.

CONTACT

Danil Nikitin, MSW

Chairperson, Global Research Institute (GLORI)

globalresearchinstitute.kg@gmail.com

+996 555 881211 (WhatsApp/Telegram)

Website: glori.kg/en