Spotlighting Women's Stories in Nuclear-Impacted Regions: Discussion Unveiled in Kazakh Documentary on Large Screens
Rewritten Article:
From Silence to Activism: Aigerim Seitenova's Journey to Nuclear Justice
ASTANA - Growing up in the heart of Kazakhstan, Aigerim Seitenova never envisioned that her community's decades-long silence about nuclear secrecies would propel her onto the global stage, championing for nuclear disarmament and women's rights. Today, Seitenova, a feminist and human rights advocate, stands as the voice behind "Jara - Radioactive Patriarchy: Women of Qazaqstan," a powerful documentary that shines a light on the stories of women still living with the legacy of nuclear testing.
Aigerim Seitenova - a face of change and resilience. Photo credit: Aigerim Seitenova
Born into a family directly affected by nuclear testing in the area surrounding the former Semipalatinsk site, Seitenova felt compelled to create a safe and respectful space for these stories to be shared. Her mission: to redefine the narrative, amplifying the voices of women who have survived the brunt of over 400 Soviet nuclear tests.
Reclaiming the Narrative: Women in "Jara"
"Jara," which translates as a wound in Kazakhstan, is a striking exploration of the lives of women living in nuclear-affected regions. The film, screened at prestigious venues such as the Church Center for the United Nations in New York and Harvard University, offers a poignant light on the often-overlooked emotional, social, and cultural consequences of nuclear testing.
Unlike other documentaries, "Jara" underscores the ongoing stigma and challenges women face, illuminating their roles and leadership within local communities. Seitenova's approach is not one of sensationalism, but rather one that highlights the resilience and perseverance of these women.
"I didn't want to simply rehash traumatic images of children with disabilities or show the horrors," Seitenova said. "I wanted something different, something that celebrated their agency in confronting nuclear injustice."
A Personal Path to Activism
Seitenova's commitment to nuclear justice stems from her personal and community history. Born into a third-generation family affected by nuclear testing, she knew she had a unique perspective to offer.
"I wanted to create a space where the women I interviewed felt safe and respected - not objectified or pitied," she said.
Prior to embarking on her documentary journey, Seitenova had already built a strong foundation in human rights advocacy, focusing on social justice, civic engagement, and gender issues. Her interest in nuclear disarmament deepened after attending an international conference in 2018 and later during her master's studies, where she explored the complex intersections between colonialism, gender, and nuclear policy.
"In 2022, I had to take a step back and ask myself: What are my thoughts? How do I reflect on this traumatic legacy? That's when the idea for my documentary took shape," said Seitenova.
Nuclear Justice: A Feminist Perspective
Seitenova's work transcends nuclear disarmament and encompasses its intersection with gender. She believes that nuclear weapons and militarism are rooted in patriarchal systems of power, with nations that possess them often embodying a patriarchal ideology that links destruction to strength. In her activism, she challenges this narrative, advocating for a world grounded in peace, justice, and care.
Pushing for Policy Change
While "Jara" aims to raise awareness, Seitenova's goal extends beyond the realm of storytelling. She is also pushing for concrete actions to improve the lives of those affected by nuclear testing, particularly in Kazakhstan.
"I hope that people in power, government officials, and parliament members will see the film and listen. I want to see legal reforms that ensure better social protection and healthcare for those impacted by nuclear tests," she said.
Seitenova points to gaps in Kazakhstan's existing laws on nuclear test survivors, particularly the need for updating the law on social protection of citizens affected by nuclear testing to better serve families. Infrastructure and healthcare in the Abai region, where the former nuclear test site is located, also require significant improvement to ensure accessibility for those affected by testing.
Kazakhstan's Role in Global Disarmament
Seitenova's activism has positioned her as a global voice in the fight against nuclear weapons. As a strong supporter of international agreements such as the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), she is proud of Kazakhstan's role in renouncing nuclear weapons and pursuing nuclear justice since the early 1990s.
"Despite perceptions that Kazakhstan did not have a choice, it is important to recognize that we did give them up. We were one of the first countries in the world to pass a law supporting nuclear test survivors," said Seitenova.
Kazakhstan's diplomats have also played a crucial role in advocating for disarmament, initiating UN resolutions, and establishing the International Day Against Nuclear Tests on Aug. 29. "We are one of the most active countries in this field," she added.
Through her documentary and activism, Seitenova continues to advocate for the rights of those affected by nuclear testing, taking a strong stance against nations such as France, the United States, Australia, and Russia that have yet to sign the TPNW, despite having nuclear-affected territories or populations.
Aigerim Seitenova during the United Nations General Assembly Panel Discussion for the Third Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons. Photo credit: United Nations Multimedia.
"My hope is that an independent board could be established to distribute funds based on need, ensuring that those most in need are not excluded," she said.
The Fight for Justice Continues
Despite the challenges, Seitenova remains resilient, drawing strength from her community and the growing visibility of nuclear-affected voices. "Being part of those changes keeps me going," she said.
As she looks to the future, Seitenova emphasizes that her advocacy is about shaping a future where no one else has to endure the devastating impacts of nuclear weapons. "I feel that I've contributed, in some small way, to shifting the conversation, and that gives me strength," she said.
- Aigerim Seitenova, a native of Qazaqstan, has leveraged her personal experiences and community's history with nuclear testing to champion for nuclear disarmament and women's rights, highlighted in her documentary "Jara - Radioactive Patriarchy: Women of Qazaqstan."
- In the fashion-and-beauty and social-media spheres, Seitenova's activism extends beyond nuclear disarmament to adopting a feminist perspective, emphasizing the intersections between nuclear weapons, patriarchy, and the lived experiences of women.
- Seitenova's documentary, "Jara," showcases the lives of women in nuclear-affected regions and underscores their ongoing struggles, while simultaneously highlighting their resilience and leadership within local communities.
- Boosting her advocacy efforts, Seitenova's documentary has been screened at prestigious venues like the Church Center for the United Nations in New York and Harvard University, garnering attention from policymakers, activists, and the general public.
- Seitenova's ultimate goal goes beyond raising awareness through storytelling, as she actively pushes for concrete policy changes to improve the lives of those affected by nuclear testing in Kazakhstan, specifically emphasizing the need for updates in the law on social protection and better healthcare facilities in the Abai region.
