"Nomadity of Being" in Central Asia: Narratives of Kyrgyzstani Women's Rights Activists

Kurak feminism is a new framework for understanding feminism and political activism in Kyrgyzstan that combines foreign information and requirements with the local culture, creating a hybrid identity. It is a form of feminism that is half-donor-commissioned, half-learned through interactions, and is unashamed of its borrowed nature, working towards its own purpose. This approach can lead to a Central Asian reframing of non-Western feminisms.

Format: Hardback
Length: 169 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This groundbreaking book provides a fresh perspective on feminism and political activism in Kyrgyzstan, delving into the concept of "nomadity of being." It explores how foreign influences and demands, often imposed, are seamlessly integrated into a vibrant tapestry of the new and the old, the alien and the native, akin to the intricate kurak, a quilted patchwork blanket crafted from remnants. By conceptualizing feminist narratives within the context of Kyrgyzstan, while acknowledging the intricate interplay between ideological borrowing, actualization, appropriation, or self-colonization of "feminist" concepts, this work offers a profound understanding of the unique characteristics of post-Soviet feminisms from a historical standpoint.

Kurak feminism emerges as a distinctive form of feminism, blending elements of both donor-commissioned knowledge and self-learned experiences through personal interactions, media exposure, academic pursuits, and professional engagements. It embraces its borrowed nature without shame, recognizing that it is a dynamic and evolving process. As the kurak is meticulously quilted, kurak feminism continues to evolve, shaping its purpose and direction as it progresses.

By incorporating elements from diverse and, to a Western eye, seemingly incompatible approaches, the concept of "nomadity of being" holds the potential to pave the way for a Central Asian reimagining of non-Western feminisms. This thought-provoking text captivates scholars of European politics, the post-Soviet sphere, and feminists alike, offering a rich and multifaceted exploration of the complexities and dynamism of feminist movements in Kyrgyzstan and beyond.

Weight: 369g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811954450
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023