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After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kyrgyzstan experienced a severe depression and cutbacks to social spending throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Since independence, the philanthropic sector has therefore increased in importance as the state lacks the interest or capacity to deliver social services for its citizens and to protect the environment.
Most surveys suggest that 40%-50% of the population are poor, and struggle to make ends meet. In spite of this widespread poverty and the Soviet legacy of centralised decision-making and provisions, charitable giving is strong.
As recipients of donations and grants, women benefit from philanthropy. Some organisations, such as women’s rights, child poverty and health care campaigns, are either led or managed by women.
Charitable giving takes several forms. Local businesses and the local Rotary club in Bishkek donate to good causes, such as to Second World War veterans. Students and workers arrange box collections of clothes and food, and entertain disadvantaged groups by performing concerts and plays. Kyrgyzstani Muslims give alms during Ramadan, and more affluent households give to poorer households in the community in order to avoid the ‘evil eye’ and sabotage to their own property. Citizens give on compassionate grounds to homeless children and elderly and disabled beggars on the streets. Also, migrant workers send money back to their communities to support schools and mosques.
There is a strong political-criminal-business nexus in Kyrgyzstan, and wives and daughters of politicians and mob leaders offer a human face to a corrupt system, through their patronage to the arts, education, hospitals and other public causes.
It is as salaried workers that women have more of a presence in the voluntary sector. They tend to work for large international non-profit making organisations, which offer women a better salary, status, perks and working conditions than working for local employers.
In everyday life, women are significant actors in the voluntary sector, as donors, recipients and NGO staff.
Dr Balihar Sanghera is a Lecturer in the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, University of Kent.
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