I have recently created a website dedicated to the human rights abuses of ethnic minorities in Tajikistan. A significant part of it presents evidence on government-supported violence against women. Many women and young girls are abducted and raped by military servicemen on daily basis. The crimes are never prosecuted or even investigated.

I would like to do something to change the situation. I am an ethnic Russian from Tajikistan, currently living in US, and some of the situations described on the web site I had lived through myself. I would like to let people know about what is going on there, because I believe that while it is covered with silence, nothing is going to change. I wonder if you could give me some advice on how to go about this. I appreciate your time.

Thanks for your note to FEMINIST.COM and more importantly for the work that you want to do on behalf of the women and children of Tajikistan. Because my work has been based mostly in the U.S., I think that the best next step for you to take is to connect with organizations and individuals whose work is international. Specifically, I think that you should contact both the Sisterhood is Global Institute and Equality Now. Also, the U.S. Department of State has an excellent women's bureau. They have been doing great work all around the world on issues affecting women and girls. (You can contact Alise Nelson at their offices at my suggestion). There is also UNIFEM, which is essentially, the United Nation's women's division. All of these places are much better suited to both get the word out about your work and link you up with other organizations/individuals doing similar work.

Good luck with your work. I'm sure that I will utilize your efforts as future requests come my way - so please keep me updated on your work.

—Amy