On 9 June 2011 in the town of Osh, the “Women Peacebuilders” network organised an event entitled “Bread of Peace” with the support of UN Women. The event was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the June events and was carried out with the underlying message of “Bread as a Symbol of Peace, Prosperity and Development”. The aim of the event was to commemorate those killed in the tragic events of June 2010. Members of Women’s Peace Committees from every district in Osh Oblast also took part in the events in order to demonstrate their commitment to peace and harmony by baking bread together and distributing it among residents and visitors to the town of Osh.

Long and careful preparation went into the organisation of the event. In front of Toktogul Satyltanov park, eight ovens were prepared for baking bread. Members of Women’s Peace Committees began preparing dough early in the morning and by 8am they had already produced bread for distribution among participants. Over 15 different nationalities were represented by women peacebuilders participating in the event who dressed in their own national costumes with aprons identifying them as “Women Peacebuilders”. Participants included residents of Osh and visitors from other towns and even other countries. They read prayers from the Koran for those killed in the events in June 2010 and called for peace.

No-one stood on the sidelines without participating. Elderly people also took part in the event alongside young people with special needs, representatives of government institutions at all levels, and other organisations. According to participants, the event was an opportunity for large numbers of people to once again honour those who had died and at the same time demonstrate their commitment to peace and harmony.

Living Voices:

Larisa, an NGO representative: “The event was topical and well-timed. It was extraordinary and unusual both in its format and message. It touched the soul and needed no words of explanation for its essence to be understood: We are all different, but united. The organisers were women and mothers who wanted and were striving towards peace and goodwill on Earth …”

Olga, a resident of Moscow: “The most important thing is to get to the essence of humanity, to reach the very depths of the human soul, and this event did just that!”

Marina, from the charity ‘Smile.kg’: “It was really good that so many different nationalities took part and broke bread together. It clearly demonstrated the desire to live together in peace and friendship. My thanks to the organisers.”

Gulnara, victim of events in June: “I couldn’t just walk past, it was such a heartfelt action, it touched the soul. On the one hand it marked the terrors of war, but at the same time it showed hope and belief in peace and a brighter future.”

Sonaiym, resident of Osh, pensioner: “We will never forget about those who we lost, but if we learn to live in peace and harmony, the souls of those who died will also find peace!”