I have been assigned to work at an NGO in Andijon called FIDO (no, not like the dog). It is entirely run by women! The only male staff on board is our driver. This has a lot of significance to me because of my frustration with the role of "gender space" here in Uzbekistan, where I have observed at close range extremely smart and capable women who are pressured to stay in their traditional roles as housewives. More on gender spaces later, but for now, I look forward to getting to know the women at FIDO who have chosen a different path in their lives in a country with such strong social pressure to do otherwise.
FIDO is mostly active in community mobilization, which means organizing and training people in small villages to take action on a social cause in their community. Because of the multi-ethnic composition of the Ferghana Valley, and the close proximity to Kyrgystan and Tajikistan boarders, FIDO works on a "Peaceful Communities Initiative" that fosters friendship and understand between people in the local villages. They hold cross-community sports events, chess tournaments, cooking competitions (for women only, of course), and other activities that bring people together. They also have "successful dialogue" training for teachers and students, to help mitigate conflict among children, or between children and their families. There is even an initiative to train women on the legal system, woman's rights, and human rights.
During my four day site visit, I was able to visit several of the villages that they work with along the Kyrgyz boarder. Some of these villages were so small they only have about 1,000 - 2,000 people living in them. I met with school directors, community leaders, and volunteers who work with FIDO. It was a remarkable experience as I was very well received by everyone. Most people even thought I was Uzbek, due to my Asian features and similar skin color.
I'm really looking forward to being part of FIDO and learning more about the needs of people in the local communities and how they can be alleviated by FIDO's activities. Right now, we are waiting for word on a grant to work with schools for children with disabilities. It will be heartbreaking, but there is SO much to be done.