Non-governmental organizations, informal initiative groups, and grassroots activists across Kazakhstan are invited to join the regional digital challenge “Small Shifts Big Impact,” organized by UN Women. Participants produce creative digital narratives highlighting gender equality, with the authors of the most impactful stories invited to an international regional summit in Bishkek. Applications close on September 30, 2026.
Key Facts: Challenge Themes, Formats, and Timeline
| Organizer | UN Women Multi-Country Office in Kazakhstan and Central Asia |
| Initiative Name | Regional Digital Challenge “Small Shifts Big Impact” |
| Eligible Participants | Registered NGOs, informal civil initiative groups, social activists, journalists, and digital creators from Kazakhstan |
| Eligible Content Formats | Short-form video (Reels, TikTok), photo essays with explanatory text, audio podcasts, and multi-slide social carousels |
| Core Thematic Streams | 1. Prevention of gender-based violence; 2. Economic empowerment of women; 3. Women in technology and STEM; 4. Inclusive communities and youth engagement |
| Application Deadline | September 30, 2026, at 23:59 Astana time |
| Awards & Recognition | Commemorative awards, international feature on UN Women digital portals, and invitation to the Central Asian Regional Forum in Bishkek |
| Submission Email | unwcokaz@unwomen.org |
What the Challenge Involves
The “Small Shifts Big Impact” challenge aims to amplify localized stories demonstrating practical, grassroots solutions to gender disparities across Central Asia. Rather than generic slogans, UN Women seeks authentic human stories showcasing how small community interventions generate meaningful structural change.
Participants receive access to four practical online workshops covering digital storytelling, social photography, community mobilization, and human rights advocacy.
Participant Deliverables and Awards
The most compelling digital contributions from each thematic week are awarded commemorative honors and official certificates. Selected materials will be syndicated across UN Women’s regional media channels with full creator attribution.
Top finalists will also receive an invitation to present their work at the Regional Forum of the Central Asian Alliance to End Gender-Based Violence, scheduled for late October 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Evaluation Criteria
- Alignment with core human rights and gender equality principles;
- Originality of narrative perspective and storytelling voice;
- Quality of visual and acoustic production;
- Demonstrated potential to inspire social change within local communities;
- Ethical compliance: safeguarding dignity, consent, and confidentiality of all featured individuals.
How to Submit Your Project
- Review the official competition rules and select one of the four core thematic streams;
- Create an original digital asset (video, photo story, or podcast) in Kazakh or Russian;
- Verify technical specifications and list all contributing team members;
- Email your entry to unwcokaz@unwomen.org with the subject line “Online Challenge”;
- Submit prior to September 30, 2026, at 23:59 Astana time.
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In the RAEM Grants Directory: UN Women: ‘Small Shifts Big Impact’ Challenge — terms of participation, submission templates, workshop dates, and official contact channels.
