Recently, our Women’s Empowerment project manager began visiting the village of Turgen, about 93 kilometres from Almaty. Around one hundred Karakalpak families from Karakalpakstan have settled there, building a new life far from home.
During her visits, she got to know two women, and over time, they began to meet regularly. Slowly, trust began to grow between them.
One of them, Moldyr, was very reserved at first. Six months ago, she lost her husband to a sudden stroke. Now, Moldyr is grieving deeply. She often shares how she cries through the nights, weighed down by sadness and tension at home. She lives with her mother-in-law, who doesn’t trust her and fears she will take the family house. Also living with them is her husband’s sister, who was abandoned by her own husband and now cares for six children. Moldyr herself is raising five children, one of whom has special needs.
Recently, during one of our group meetings, Moldyr looked at us and said quietly:
“I can’t trust any of the women in the village—there’s so much judgment and gossip. But I trust you, the women sitting here in this group.”
Those words meant so much. Step by step, they are walking alongside her, offering friendship, compassion, and a safe space to heal.
*Name changed
