Women's Experiences in Contaminated Regions: Kazakh Documentary Highlights Perspectives from Nuclear-Exposed Women
Growing up in the shadow of Kazakhstan's nuclear past, Aigerim Seitenova never dreamed her silent community's tale would catapult her into global activism. Now a feminist, human rights champion, and nuclear disarmament crusader, she's transformed her connection to the testing's dark history into "Jara - Radioactive Patriarchy: Women of Kazakhstan," a documentary shining a light on the voices of women still grappling with the aftermath.
Aigerim Seitenova, a feminist, human rights professional, and nuclear disarmament advocate, captivates in "Jara." Photo credit: Aigerim Seitenova
In a candid interview with The Astana Times, Seitenova revealed her journey to unveil these untold tales of resilience and resistance.
Redefining narratives: women in "Jara"
"Jara," meaning a wound in Kazakh, is a gripping exploration of women from nuclear-affected zones, regions disproportionately struck by over 400 Soviet nuclear tests. This film, screened at venues including the Church Center for the United Nations in New York and Harvard University, illuminates the often-neglected emotional, social, and cultural consequences of nuclear testing.
Aigerim Seitenova leading a statement at the UN during 3MSP TPNW. Photo credit: Seitenova's personal archives
Unlike other documentaries focusing on physical devastation and disabilities caused by nuclear testing, "Jara" centers instead on the stigma and struggles women continue to face while accentuating their vital roles in local communities.
Seitenova's approach is more about showcasing the fortitude and determination of these women, rather than sensationalizing their trauma.
"Few films about Kazakhstan’s nuclear legacy exist online, mostly made by Western journalists or filmmakers. They tend to portray Semei as ‘the most nuked place on Earth’ with images of children with disabilities and all the horrors – which, of course, are real. But I wanted something different," Seitenova expressed.
"I didn’t want to exploit my community. I didn’t want to sensationalize their lives." Instead, she features these women not just as passive victims and survivors but as leaders demanding change.
"I wanted this film to be a small step toward decolonizing our narrative – to reclaim our voices and center our perspectives," she declared.
A personal crusade for justice
Seitenova's commitment to nuclear justice is deeply rooted in her personal history and community's legacy. Born into a third-generation family impacted by nuclear testing near the former Semipalatinsk test site, she sought to establish a safe space for women to share their stories without prejudice or pity.
"As someone from the affected community, I wanted to create a space where the women I interviewed felt safe and respected, not objectified or pitted against one another,” she said.
Before the idea for "Jara" took shape, Seitenova had already established a solid foundation in human rights advocacy in Kazakhstan, focusing on social justice and civic involvement. Her interest in nuclear disarmament deepened after attending an international conference in 2018 and during her master’s studies, where she explored broader issues of gender, colonialism, and nuclear policy.
"But that summer of 2022, I had to pause and ask: I'm learning so much, I'm vocal in this field, but have I taken the time to reflect personally? At the time, I was 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 collectively reflected on this traumatic legacy. I asked myself, what are my thoughts? How do I reflect on this? That's where the idea for my documentary began," she said.
Nuclear justice: a feminist lens
Seitenova's work goes beyond nuclear disarmament, focusing on its intersection with gender. She highlighted that nuclear weapons and militarism are intertwined with patriarchal systems of Power.
"Societies, especially those shaped by militarism, are constructed in ways that nuclear weapons symbolize power. Countries possessing them often boast about their strength or superiority. It's all tied to this patriarchal notion that destruction represents strength, while cooperation, peace, and human rights are often perceived as weak and feminine," she explained.
This gendered lens is crucial to her activism, challenging the narrative that equates national power with nuclear strength and advocating for a world grounded in peace, justice, and empathy.
Forging policy change
While "Jara" offers a powerful tool for raising awareness about the ongoing effects of nuclear testing, Seitenova's mission extends past solely sharing these stories. She's also pushing for concrete action to enhance the lives of those affected by nuclear tests, especially within Kazakhstan.
The film's premiere at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York. Photo credit: Nagima Abuova / The Astana Times
"I hope that lawmakers, government officials, and policymakers within Kazakhstan will see it and respond," Seitenova said, urging legal reforms that ensure improved social protection and healthcare for those impacted by nuclear tests.
She emphasized the need to modernize Kazakhstan's existing laws on nuclear test survivors, particularly the law on social protection of citizens affected by nuclear testing. The law, Seitenova noted, requires updates to serve families more efficiently.
"Medical screenings and infrastructure in areas like Abai, home to the former nuclear test site, are often outdated," she added, highlighting the hurdles faced by affected communities when accessing medical care.
Kazakhstan's role in nuclear disarmament
Seitenova's activism has placed her on the global stage.
"Kazakhstan deserves credit for...renouncing nuclear arsenals." Seitenova pointed to Kazakhstan's backing of international agreements, such as the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).
"People say Kazakhstan didn’t have a choice, but the fact remains – we did give them up. The first lesson is that it's possible to renounce nuclear arsenals. The second is that Kazakhstan was one of the first countries worldwide to pass a law protecting nuclear test survivors – in 1992. I've been critical of how the law could be improved, but it's essential to recognize that Kazakhstan has been pursuing nuclear justice since the early '90s," said Seitenova.
"The third lesson is Kazakhstan's international role. Our diplomats have accomplished amazing work advocating for disarmament, initiating UN resolutions, and even pushing for the International Day Against Nuclear Tests on Aug. 29. Kazakhstan is among the most active countries in this sphere," she closed.
A commitment to peace
"I find strength in choosing peace over destruction; Kazakhstan has been doing that," said Seitenova, echoing her unwavering commitment to nuclear disarmament and justice. And her work continues to impact the global conversation, inspiring hope for a future where no one endures the devastating impacts of nuclear weapons.
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- Aigerim Seitenova, the clinical psychologist and mental health advocate, uses "Jara" to shed light on the mental health implications for women living in Kazakhstan's nuclear-affected zones.
- In an intersectional approach to nuclear disarmament, Seitenova incorporates discussions on mental health and womens' health, exploring how their well-being is affected by nuclear testing and patriarchal systems.
