Nuclear-Impacted Regions: Kazakh Documentary Amplifies Women's Testimonies from the Shadows
Rewritten Article:
Hearing the Voices of the Silent: Aigerim Seitenova's "Jara" Documentary
Growing up in Kazakhstan, Aigerim Seitenova never thought her community's twisted nuclear past would propel her into the global spotlight. Now a fierce advocate for feminism, human rights, and nuclear disarmament, she's transformed her personal connection to the scars of Soviet-era nuclear testing at Semipalatinsk into "Jara - Radioactive Patriarchy: Women of Qazaqstan," a groundbreaking documentary that puts the spotlight on the untold narratives of resilience and defiance from women still grappling with the fallout.
Aigerim Seitenova, an advocate for nuclear disarmament, feminism, and human rights, featured in "Jara." Photo by Aigerim Seitenova.
During an interview with The Astana Times, Seitenova revealed how her self-reflection journey led her to uncover these stories of strength and resistance.
Shining a Light on the Unspoken: Women in "Jara"
"Jara," meaning a wound in Kazakhstan, is a poignant exploration of the lives of women from nuclear-contaminated regions, bearing the brunt of over 400 Soviet nuclear tests. The film, exhibited at venues such as the Church Center for the United Nations in New York City and Harvard University, sheds light on the overlooked emotional, social, and cultural consequences of nuclear testing.
Seitenova making a statement at the UN Headquarters during the 3MSP TPNW event. Photo courtesy of Seitenova’s personal archives.
In contrast to documentaries that dwell on the physical damages and disabilities caused by nuclear testing, "Jara" aims to shed light on the stigma and challenges women continue to face, while emphasizing their crucial roles within their local communities.
Seitenova's tactic is to avoid sensationalizing the trauma by showcasing the resilience and perseverance of these women rather than prey upon their pain.
"Countless films about Kazakhstan's nuclear legacy are out there for anyone to find on YouTube, often produced by Western journalists or filmmakers. They tend to zero in on Semei being the most tested place on Earth, focusing on images of children with disabilities and horrors - all real, no doubt. But what I wanted was something different," Seitenova said.
"I didn't want to portray my community as victims nor sensationalize their struggle," she added.
Instead, she offers these women as leaders championing change rather than just passive victims or survivors. The film offers a novel perspective - one that celebrates women's power in confronting nuclear injustice.
"My aim with this film is a tiny step toward decolonizing the way we tell our stories, reclaiming the narrative, and placing our voices at the center," she declared.
A Personal Journey to Advocacy
Seitenova's commitment to nuclear justice stems from her personal and community history. Born into a family of the third generation affected by nuclear tests in the area near the former Semipalatinsk test site, she sought to create a safe space for women to share their tales.
"As someone from the affected community, I wanted to create a space where the women I interviewed felt safe and respected - not objectified or pitied, not sitting across from a man asking them to share intimate details like their fears about having children or their inability to," Seitenova said.
Reflecting on her path, Seitenova shared that her passion for nuclear disarmament deepened after attending an international conference in 2018, which led her to delve further into broader issues of gender, colonialism, and nuclear policy during her master's studies.
"However, during the summer of 2022, I took a moment to pause and find time for self-reflection. I was in the midst of reading two books- one by Dr. Togzhan Kassenova, 'Atomic Steppe: How Kazakhstan Gave Up the Bomb', and the other by Ray Acheson, 'Banning the Bomb, Smashing the Patriarchy,'" Seitenova revealed.
"I realized how little Kazakhstan - and especially my region, Semei - had jointly reflected on this traumatic legacy. So I stopped and asked myself: What are my thoughts? How do I reflect on this? That's where the idea for my documentary began to take shape," she said.
Nuclear Justice: A Feminist Perspective
Seitenova's activism goes beyond nuclear disarmament, touching on its intersection with gender. She stated that nuclear weapons and militarism are tightly linked to patriarchal power structures.
"Our societies, particularly ones shaped by militarism, are designed to make nuclear weapons synonymous with power. Countries that possess them often boast about their strength, while portraying themselves as superior. This is tied to the patriarchal notion that destruction equals strength. In contrast, peace, cooperation, and human rights are seen as feminine, often depicted as soft or weak," Seitenova explained.
This gendered outlook forms the basis of her activism as she takes on the dominant narrative equating national might with nuclear power and advocates instead for a world built on peace, justice, and compassion.
Push for Policy Change
While "Jara" functions as a crucial tool for raising awareness about the lasting effects of nuclear testing, Seitenova's goal is far from just sharing these stories. She is also working to drive tangible changes in the lives of those impacted by nuclear testing, especially in Kazakhstan.
The premiere of "Jara" at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York City. Photo credit: Nagima Abuova / The Astana Times.
"I hope people in power, within government, parliament, ministries, will see it and listen," Seitenova said, pressing for legal reforms that guarantee better social protection and healthcare for those impacted by nuclear tests.
She pointed to flaws in Kazakhstan's existing laws pertaining to nuclear test survivors, particularly the law on social protection of citizens affected by nuclear testing, which she highlighted needs to be updated to better meet families' needs.
"Screenings for cancer and medical infrastructure are often obsolete," Seitenova stated, highlighting the issues faced by residents in the Abai region, where the former nuclear test site is located, when accessing medical care.
Kazakhstan's Global Role on Disarmament
Seitenova's activism has catapulted her onto the world stage.
"Kazakhstan deserves a great deal of credit... It is possible to renounce nuclear arsenals, and Kazakhstan did it," said Seitenova, referring to the country's support for international agreements like the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).
"People often say Kazakhstan didn't have a choice, but the fact remains: we did give them up. That's the first lesson. The second is that Kazakhstan was one of the first countries in the world to pass a law supporting nuclear test survivors - back in 1992. Critical of how the law could be improved, I still recognize that Kazakhstan has been pursuing nuclear justice since the early 1990s - something many other countries have failed to do, especially those responsible for nuclear harm," said Seitenova.
"The third lesson is Kazakhstan's role on the global stage. Our diplomats have done incredible work advocating for disarmament, initiating UN resolutions, and even pushing for the establishment of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests on Aug. 29. Kazakhstan is one of the most active countries in this field," she added.
"I find the power in choosing peace instead of destruction; Kazakhstan has been doing that," said Seitenova.
Despite advancements, Seitenova recognizes much work still needs to be done, particularly in ensuring that affected communities in countries that haven't signed the TPNW are not left behind. Major countries such as France, the United States, Australia, and Russia have not signed the treaty despite having nuclear-affected territories or populations.
"The fear is that if the fund [created] for victim assistance and environmental remediation only supports communities in TPNW member states, many of the most vulnerable might be excluded. That's why it's crucial for the fund to allow flexibility," she said.
According to Seitenova, one potential solution is an independent board capable of distributing funds without regard for a country's treaty status.
When asked about progress, Seitenova emphasized that Kazakhstan and Kiribati, co-chairs of the informal working group on Articles 6 and 7 that focus on victim assistance and environmental remediation, are "doing a fantastic job" leading the effort and are making space for civil society input as well.
"For instance, the Qazaq Nuclear Frontline Coalition, which I co-founded, co-organized a consultation with the co-chairs in January 2023. It focused on how communities in Kazakhstan envision the structure and function of the trust fund," she said.
Continuing the Fight for Justice
Despite challenges, Seitenova remains hopeful. She finds strength in her community and in the growing visibility of nuclear-affected voices in global discussions.
"Being a part of those changes keeps me going," she said. "My advocacy is not just about the past but shaping a future where no one has to live with the devastating impacts of nuclear weapons."
"I feel like I've contributed, however small the impact, to shifting the conversation, and that gives me strength. Because, ultimately, we are advocating for peace, not an abstract idea."
Enrichment Data:- "Jara" offers a distinct perspective by putting the stories of women who bear the emotional, social, and cultural consequences of nuclear testing at the forefront, focusing on their resilience and leadership within their communities.- By framing the issue through a feminist lens, the documentary meticulously dissects the intricate link between nuclear weapons, militarism, and patriarchal power structures.- Seitenova's activism is not limited to promoting nuclear disarmament but instead tackles the pressing intersection of gender and nuclear policy, advocating for a world that embraces peace, justice, and compassion.- "Jara" is a critical tool for generating awareness about the enduring impacts of nuclear testing and pushing for tangible changes in the lives of those affected, particularly in Kazakhstan.- Kazakhstan plays a vital role in global disarmament efforts, having given up its nuclear arsenal and passed laws in support of nuclear test survivors in the 1990s, which have been instrumental in pursuing nuclear justice.- Although progress has been made, there remains much work to be done, including addressing the needs of nuclear-affected communities in countries that haven't signed the TPNW and ensuring the trust fund supports victims regardless of their country's treaty status.
- Science and health-and-wellness intersect in the documentary "Jara - Radioactive Patriarchy: Women of Qazaqstan," as Aigerim Seitenova explores the ongoing health challenges faced by women living in nuclear-contaminated regions.
- In her feminist advocacy, Aigerim Seitenova emphasizes the importance of women's health in the context of nuclear disarmament, arguing that addressing the implications of nuclear testing on women's health is vital for achieving true nuclear justice.
