After a minister killed his wife, Kazakhs address domestic violence taboo

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Domestic Abuse in Kazakhstan

Warning: This article contains details of violent domestic abuse that some may find upsetting.

Introduction

In November 2023, Saltanat Nukenova, a 31-year-old woman, was tragically beaten to death by her husband, former minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev, in a restaurant in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This incident has sparked widespread attention and debate about domestic violence and traditional gender roles not only in Kazakhstan but also in Russia and beyond.

The Scale of Domestic Abuse in Kazakhstan

The United Nations reports that approximately 400 women die from domestic abuse in Kazakhstan each year. However, this number may be higher due to underreporting. The case of Saltanat Nukenova has brought this issue to the forefront and ignited a national and global conversation.

The Murder Trial and Public Outcry

Kuandyk Bishimbayev has admitted guilt for causing his wife’s death but denies acting with “exceptional cruelty.” The ongoing murder trial is being livestreamed on social media platforms, captivating audiences and prompting discussions about gender-based violence and societal norms.

Impact on Kazakh Society

The case of Saltanat Nukenova has led to a reevaluation of traditional gender roles in Kazakhstan. Many individuals and organizations, such as the women’s rights NGO NeMolchi, have been working tirelessly to address domestic violence and empower survivors. The public outcry and support for Nukenova’s family have been instrumental in challenging societal norms.

Legislative Changes and Pushback

In response to the public outcry, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed new legislation on April 15, 2024, criminalizing the act of striking women and children. Previously, domestic violence cases were treated as civil infractions. However, some male lawmakers have expressed resistance to these changes, suggesting that wives who provoke their abusive husbands should also face punishment.

International Reactions

The livestreamed murder trial has garnered attention beyond Kazakhstan’s borders. People from countries like Russia, Armenia, and Belarus have expressed solidarity with Kazakh women and condemned domestic violence. The case has resonated particularly strongly in Russia, where certain forms of domestic violence were controversially decriminalized in 2017.

Importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The case of Saltanat Nukenova highlights the urgent need to address domestic violence and achieve SDG 5: Gender Equality. SDG 5 aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, promote gender equality, and empower women and girls worldwide. Kazakhstan’s legislative changes and the public outcry demonstrate progress towards achieving this goal.

Conclusion

The tragic murder of Saltanat Nukenova has sparked a nationwide and international conversation about domestic violence, traditional gender roles, and the importance of achieving SDG 5. While legislative changes and public support are steps in the right direction, there is still much work to be done to ensure the safety and empowerment of women and girls in Kazakhstan and beyond.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
   • Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months.

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Indicator 16.1.2: Conflict-related deaths per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and cause.

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Under SDG 5, the specific target that can be identified is Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.

Under SDG 16, the specific target that can be identified is Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

The article mentions or implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. For Target 5.2 under SDG 5, the indicator mentioned is Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months. For Target 16.1 under SDG 16, the indicator mentioned is Indicator 16.1.2: Conflict-related deaths per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and cause.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Fuente: aljazeera.com

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