Almaty resident Liya Bergen recently made a lone protest on the city’s Republic Square to demand that the authorities approve an event for women’s rights. The event is planned for International Women’s Day on March 8, but the Almaty Akimat, headed by Yerbolat Dosayev, has refused to allow it to take place.
Ms Bergen held a placard written in Kazakh bearing the words: “Dosayev, don’t spoil the tradition, allow the march!”
She later explained that she was taking action for justice and equality, as well as reminding the city of the struggles that Kazakh women still face for their rights and dignity.
