National Federation of Women’s Communities of Kyrgyzstan

The National Federation of Women’s Communities of Kyrgyzstan (NFFCK) was set up by a group of 12 to 14-year-old girls to fight against child marriage, bride kidnapping and gender-based violence. Today, the organisation works to help women and girls aged 10-19 acquire the skills for a healthy, active and independent life. NFFCK has strong girl leadership. Girls are represented on the Board and in the governance structure and the organisation’s members are involved in strategic and organisational decisions. NFFCK promotes activism and engagement by providing girls with the leadership skills needed to enhance their decision-making powers. It raises awareness among schoolgirls on topics from HIV, STIs, drug abuse, smoking and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). It advocates to government and works for change to the harmful practices and traditions in the country via media campaigns and social networking. NFFCK is a grassroots organisation whose clear vision has impacted thousands of girls in the country. In the last two years, NFFCK has helped 41 girls avoid child marriage and provided 482 girls with practical support. It has supported 1,648 girls with consultations on child marriage and bride kidnapping. Thanks to NFFCK’s work, more than 12,000 girls have increased their knowledge of girls’ rights.