On March 7, Parviz Jamalov, OASIS Graduate Assistant, a Fulbright Scholar and a Graduate Student at the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications, took the stage at the 2025 No Limits Student Research Conference to deliver a deeply moving presentation on gender-based violence in Central Asia. The conference, an annual event hosted by the Women's and Gender Studies Programs across UNL, UNO and UNK focused on the theme "Transforming Lives, Gender, and Justice."
Drawing from real-life cases, Jamalov highlighted the systemic issues that allow violence against women to persist, emphasizing cultural norms, legal failures, and societal silence. His presentation opened with a chilling reimagining of a high-profile domestic violence case in Kazakhstan, immersing the audience in the perspective of an abuser. This unconventional approach, combined with statistics and personal reflections, made the issue impossible to ignore.
Jamalov shed light on the role of traditional gender expectations, the normalization of abuse, and the barriers women face when seeking justice. He underscored how deeply ingrained societal attitudes contribute to cycles of violence, where victims are often blamed while perpetrators evade accountability.
His message was clear: gender-based violence is not just a personal or cultural issue—it is a human rights crisis that demands urgent action. His talk left a profound impact, sparking discussions among attendees and reinforcing the conference’s mission to challenge injustice and advocate for change.