Bishkek, 23 May 2024 (TDI): The meeting of the Central Asian Women Leaders Caucus is held, with delegations from the parliaments of Central Asian countries participating.
The event focused on “The role of women in the economies of Central Asia: leadership for promoting digital, social, and environmental innovation.”
The event is organized in collaboration with the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Administration of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, with support from UNDP, UNRCCA and UN Women in Kyrgyzstan.
The event marked the official commencement of Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship in the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus for 2024.
Dzhamilia Isaeva, Vice Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, highlighted the pivotal role of women in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She said, “In the era of global digitalization and the fight against climate change, it is necessary to promote the participation of women in the main industries.”
She further added, “Women are not only the most vulnerable to climate change but also important stakeholders in achieving national climate goals. Ensuring gender equality and empowering all women and girls is not only a matter of justice but also of economic prosperity,” noted Jamilya Isaeva.”
The Caucus was characterized by lively discussions and strategic planning sessions, with participation from parliamentarians, government officials, representatives from international and non-governmental organizations, business leaders, and experts from Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
UNDP Resident Representative, Alexandra Solovieva highlighted in her opening remarks: “The Central Asian Women Leaders Caucus has set a new benchmark for regional cooperation in gender equality. By empowering women in digital, social, and environmental sectors, we are unlocking vast potential for sustainable development and economic growth.”
In her speech, Tanzila Narbaeva, Chair of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, emphasized that without elevating the level of education, significant progress cannot be attained. Therefore, she stressed the importance of prioritizing women’s education and ensuring special attention is given to it.
Moreover, she underscored that in Uzbekistan, women are provided with the opportunity to pursue master’s programs at the state’s expense. Additionally, efforts are being made to enhance the economic engagement of women.
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She added, “As a result of systemic measures, the number of women entrepreneurs has doubled, today 40% of entrepreneurs are women.”
The event generated a comprehensive array of policy suggestions, which will be submitted to senior political figures in Central Asia. These proposals advocate for initiatives promoting regional cooperation and backing women’s endeavors in digital, creative, and green economies.
Additionally, Deputy Chair of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Daniya Yespayeva, highlighted Kazakhstan’s systematic efforts to bolster women’s economic participation.
She said, “Today women are learning new skills as new forms of economic activity emerge. It is worth emphasizing that women do not lag behind the demands of the time in new trends.”
Chair of the Committee on Science, Education, Culture and Youth Policy of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan Bahar Seyidova, drew attention to the importance of ensuring gender equality, emphasizing that this issue is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
She supplemented, “It is important to note that women are actively participating in economic activities, including efforts are being made to increase the potential of women.”
Firuza Nurullozoda, the First Deputy Chair of the Committee on Women and Family Affairs under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, participated via video conferencing. During her address, she highlighted the significant role women play in the economic development of Central Asian nations.
She said, “In Tajikistan, there are many opportunities to increase the activity and self-development of women. Innovation and digital technologies have an impact on the lives of women because women play an important role in the fields of science, education, and trade.”
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Moreover, the Caucus comprised three thematic plenary sessions centered on crucial areas of innovation, including a Green Economy session moderated by Mrs. Dinara Ashimova, a Creative Economy led by Aisulu Mamashova, and a Digital Economy session moderated by Leila Lurova.
The Caucus approved the Action Plan for 2024, outlining key priorities and strategies. This plan includes preparations for EXPO 2024, with a particular focus on empowering women entrepreneurs to drive innovation and accelerate socio-economic development in the Central Asian region.
