JAPAN PRIZE International Contest For Educational Media

JAPAN PRIZE 2004 : Proposal Details

During the last decades the problem of women' suicide in Central Asian countries, such as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, attracted an attention of different International Organizations.

Each year there are more than 200 cases of women' self - burning registered only in Uzbekistan. The major reasons for the horrible acts are low level of the life, violence in the family, discrimination, and recent exploitation of women in terrorism.

The aim of our film is to research the problem of women' suicide in Central Asia. Not only to tell the stories of self - burnings, but also to try to understand psychological and social motivations of the acts. The producer also aims to let the women know their rights and organizations that can practically support them, including a local shelter and rehabilitation center for desperate women.

This is a moving and very compelling program proposal about the plight of women in Uzbekistan, who commit suicide by setting themselves alight. In this day and age where women's issues and gender equality is globally prioritised, it was felt that this issue was a priority for the community concerned and if when it is executed, will go a long way in contributing towards public education and the liberation of women in this country. The producer also showed bravery by proposing to tell this controversial and burning story in a documentary format which we think will be groundbreaking and will set the pace and the agenda for dealing with issues that affect women in Uzbekistan.

The jury believed that this program could be an effective tool and a catalyst for social action and change.

The jury recognised that there might be a difficulty in broadcasting this program because of censorship in the country however after careful consideration, it was agreed that the producer convincingly explores other alternatives for taking this critical content to audiences that need it most. The young passionate producer not only sold a program idea but reflected her determination to take the first step in changing women's lives and in making a difference in the world.

Ms. Elmira Khasanova
Journalist/Producer

Until now it did not seem possible to me that I could win such a known and prestigious prize. Our country is experiencing great difficulties, both economic and political. The Committee of Freedom of Speech and Expression is put to the task of making a statement of democratic principles and we express our sincere gratitude to NHK and the Hoso Bunka Foundation for their help. We shall try to make an interesting film, which will help Uzbek women to improve their lives and their public role. All my friends and acquaintances, not only in Uzbekistan, but also in Europe, America and Israel have wished me good luck and they demonstrate great interest in the JAPAN PRIZE and ask me for the address of the website and other information. Once again I thank you for your noble mission.