Fighting for the safety of Kyrgyzstan’s healthcare heroes

For years, violence and harassment, especially sexual harassment, against health workers in Kyrgyzstan was dismissed as “part of the job.” Doctors, nurses and orderlies endured threats, attacks and humiliation in silence, too afraid to speak out.

If we don’t speak out, nothing will change.

Bermet Baryktabasova, Chairperson of the Independent Medical Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan

"For years, health workers in Kyrgyzstan have faced violence in silence. But I knew that silence was dangerous. If we don’t speak out, nothing will change," shares Bermet Baryktabasova, Chairperson of the Independent Medical Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan.

© Bermet Baryktabasova

Violence often peaks during night shifts, holidays and weekends—times when staff are most exhausted and vulnerable. 

A study conducted by the Independent Medical Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan (October 2022-March 2023) revealed the horrifying scale of the problem:

• 10 per cent of health workers had experienced sexual harassment.
• 56 per cent of health workers didn’t even fully understand what counted as harassment, mistaking it for “harmless flirting".
• Victims remained silent, terrified of retaliation, dismissal or professional exile.

"After this comprehensive study, my team and I were certain of one thing: silence was no longer an option," says Bermet Baryktabasova.

Breaking the cycle of fear

With 30 years of experience in medicine, Bermet had witnessed firsthand how violence against healthcare workers was normalized. She saw colleagues afraid to report abuse—forced to tolerate aggression from patients, their families and even fellow medical staff.

"I refused to stand by and do nothing. So, alongside my union, I fought back."

Since 2021, the Independent Medical Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan has been documenting cases of workplace violence and harassment—and acting upon them. The Union sought justice using all mechanisms of legal protection, from appeals to higher authorities, the prosecutor's office, the court and the internal affairs agencies, and achieved real results. 

"We have defined what constitutes violence and harassment, ensured mandatory reporting and launched awareness training to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable," shares Bermet Baryktabasova.

The pandemic exposed the truth

During the COVID-19 pandemic, hostility toward frontline health workers reached devastating levels.

"Hospitals were overwhelmed. Frustrated patients lashed out at doctors and nurses—threatening, blaming, even attacking them while they were working tirelessly to save lives. If we don’t protect those who care for us, then who will? This question haunted me. And I knew I had to act,” says Bermet.

The turning point: Convention No. 190

In 2024, Kyrgyzstan ratified the ILO Convention No. 190 (C190) - the first international treaty that aims to ending violence and harassment in the world of work.

Just when it seemed like change would never come, Kyrgyzstan ratified ILO Convention No. 190 in 2024. It was more than policy—it was hope. 

Bermet Baryktabasova, Chairperson of the Independent Medical Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan

"Just when it seemed like change would never come, Kyrgyzstan ratified ILO Convention No. 190 in 2024. It was more than policy—it was hope."

For Bermet and her union, this was a game-changer. "C190 finally legitimized our rights, providing a framework to protect health workers from violence and harassment. This convention is a powerful tool for empowering those who have been long silenced."

Supported by ILO training programmes, Bermet organized workshops, strengthened knowledge of her union members and other stakeholders on C190 and mobilized her union to demand real change.

Now, the union is actively shaping national legislation to align with C190’s provisions. Health workers, employers and law enforcement officials are attending training sessions on violence prevention strategies and legal protections. Medical schools have even begun issuing directives to report cases of sexual harassment immediately.

A future without fear

© ILO

The Independent Medical Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan is now working closely with the Ministry of Health and other agencies to secure concrete protections for nurses and vulnerable health workers.

"We are preparing to sign a landmark sectoral agreement with the Ministry of Health that will integrate C190’s protections into national healthcare policies and protect labour rights."

"A safe and fair workplace isn’t a luxury—it’s the very right that keeps healthcare workers alive and able to serve."

The union is on the verge of finalizing a sectoral agreement that will embed Convention No. 190 into Kyrgyzstan’s healthcare system, ensuring lasting protections for health workers across the country.

"This fight is far from over. But I know one thing: we will not stop until every health worker is safe, respected, and free from fear," promises Bermet Baryktabasova.