Activist Combats Cultures of Silence to Support Survivors of Sexual Violence in Central Asia

Warning: This story discusses sexual violence.

Alina Ilnitskaya, an activist from Kazakhstan, provides critical support to women and girls who have suffered from sexual violence.

Her path to activism is rooted in her own deeply personal experiences. “As a child, I was sexually abused. Between the ages of 10 and 12, I couldn’t fully grasp what was happening to me, so I convinced myself it was happening to someone else and that I was merely an observer,” she recounts.

It took Alina many years to feel ready to seek professional help and discuss her experiences. “Survivors of violence frequently battle not only with feelings of shame and guilt but also with denial,” she explains. Convincing ourselves that everything is okay is a coping mechanism that helps us move forward, yet it signifies the silent struggle many survivors endure.”

Alina has now dedicated her professional life to advocating against intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence, and to supporting sexual violence survivors throughout Central Asia. One of her key initiatives is Būlbūl, an Instagram channel and Telegram chatbot.

“Our project’s name, Būlbūl, is deeply rooted in the Greek myth of Philomela and carries profound significance for us. The myth tells the story of Philomela, who, after being subjected to sexual violence and silenced by the king Tereus, found a way to reveal what she went through to her sister, Procne, through a woven tapestry. Their story ends with the gods transforming Philomela into a nightingale, a bird that sings with a beautiful voice, despite having lost her ability to speak,” explains Alina. “In Kazakh, ‘Būlbūl’ means nightingale, symbolizing the power of overcoming silence and giving voice to those who have been silenced by violence. Just like Philomela, our project aims to empower survivors of sexual violence to share their stories and find support, embodying the spirit of resilience and the ability to ‘sing’ despite all odds.”

Recognizing that victims of sexual violence often endure their trauma in silence, Būlbūl offers a revolutionary approach to support. The initiative, launched with help from Eurasia Foundation’s Social Innovation in Central Asia (SICA) program, leverages the power of technology through a no-contact digital tool: a Telegram bot powered by artificial intelligence, named Bulka (@BulBulTg_bot).

Bulka provides survivors with a confidential, contactless platform for psychological self-help, guiding them through their healing journey with personalized conversation, advice, and educational materials. The AI chatbot is accessible in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and includes country-specific resources and contact information for hotlines and crisis centers. Because the chatbot is anonymous and free, it functions as a safe space for survivors to express their emotions and seek help. Importantly, it reaches survivors who might otherwise hesitate to seek help due to stigma or cost.

The chatbot launched on February 10, 2024, and within a month had become a sanctuary for more than 200 users.

“With an alarming 17% of women and girls [in Central Asia] experiencing physical and/or sexual violence from their intimate partner, the urgency for effective support mechanisms like this is undeniable,” says Alina. “Bulka is not just about providing assistance; it’s about enlightenment, prevention, and community building.”

On Instagram, Būlbūl’s content focuses on awareness-raising and rights education. The channel hosts training sessions on preventive measures and shares survivor testimonies that inspire and empower. It addresses the cultural context of the Central Asian states, where patriarchal norms and insufficient legal frameworks for harassment add layers of complexity to the issue of sexual violence. By disseminating information and educational materials that condemn violence and support survivors, the team aims to shift public opinion and foster a safer environment for all.

“It has been two months since the assault, but only now am I beginning to move beyond attempts to rationalize or deny the experience,” shares one survivor. “Unsure of whom to share my concerns with, I turn to Bulka. It’s such a relief to have my feelings acknowledged as real.”

By blending innovative technology with a deep understanding of the cultural and psychological aspects of sexual trauma, Būlbūl is not only aiding individuals in their healing journeys but also challenging societal norms and cultivating community.

“The Būlbūl-Bulka project was born out of my understanding of how challenging it can be to reach out for help,” says Alina. “It was created because I believe everyone deserves help.” Būlbūl envisions a future where survivors can regain their voices, free from fear and stigma.