Speech by the UN Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic Delivered at the meeting of the National Committee of Parliamentarians on Population and Development of Kyrgyzstan

Distinguished Mr. Nurlanbek Asanbekov, Deputy Speaker of Jogorku Kenesh, 

Dear Ms. Elvira Surabalieva, 

Distinguished Members of Parliament, 

Dear Participants,

It is a great honor to address you today for this very important discussion on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. I am particularly happy to see this topic being a priority at the beginning of the year and I look forward to all of us taking a lot of time and effort this year to tackle this issue. These priorities lie also at the heart of sustainable development, human rights, and peace, the three fundamental pillars of the United Nations. With just five years remaining to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the Pact for the Future, endorsed by global leaders including President Japarov at the Summit of the Future in September 2024 in New York, has turbocharged our collective commitment to realizing the Agenda 2030. At its core is the imperative to ensure gender equality and expand the rights and opportunities for women and girls. 

The United Nations’ pledge to Leave No One Behind serves as a guiding principle in this journey, ensuring that the most vulnerable and marginalized are prioritized in our efforts to achieve gender equality. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a vital foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable society. Women and girls make up over half of Kyrgyzstan’s population, and their empowerment is essential for societal cohesion and economic development.

Kyrgyzstan has demonstrated remarkable leadership in advancing gender equality, enacting crucial legislative reforms and ratifying international conventions. Parliament’s role in this cannot be overestimated. The adoption of the Law on Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts in the Sphere of Protection and Defense against Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-based Violence, along with the ratification of ILO Convention No. 190, where you, Honorable Ms.  Elvira Surabalieva, played such a critical role for which I would like to congratulate you once again, reflects a steadfast commitment to eradicating gender-based violence and harassment. These legislative milestones, coupled with the National Development Strategy 2021–2026, underscore the country’s dedication to fostering a safer and more equitable society.

Thanks to the 30% gender quota established in the Law on the Elections of Deputies to Local and City Councils, women now constitute 40% of elected officials at these levels. I would like to express the United Nation’s hope that, as discussions on reforming the electoral law progress, this quota will remain firmly embedded within the legislative framework governing future elections to which the United Nations System will provide support upon request by the Government and the Central Election Commission. 

Furthermore, Kyrgyzstan’s milestones such as the ratification of ILO Convention No. 190, the adoption of the State Program to Support Women’s Leadership until 2030, and the gender quote in the Election Law have positioned the country as a leader on gender equality in Central Asia. The region’s first State Program on Women’s Leadership strategically enhances women’s participation in political, economic, and social spheres. This commitment was further demonstrated through initiatives such as the Central Asian Women Leaders Dialogue, chaired until December by Kyrgyzstan, and the 2024 Women Entrepreneurship Expo, which fostered cross-border cooperation and showcased women’s innovations.

Distinguished Participants,

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, who visited Kyrgyzstan last year, has declared that the “21st century must be the century of women’s equality.” To lead by example and shape global efforts, he launched the UN System-Wide Gender Equality Acceleration Plan (GEAP) last year, aimed at achieving transformative gender equality also across the United Nations system. This initiative could serve not only as UN System’s framework but also as a framework for Kyrgyzstan to amplify its own progress, as women remain underrepresented in political and economic spheres, with deeply entrenched patriarchal norms hindering their advancement. 

The Concluding observations on the fourth periodic report in the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, adopted by the Committee on 27 September 2024, highlighted these systemic barriers, including a gender pay gap, occupational segregation, and inadequate protections for women in informal employment. The disproportionate burden of unpaid care work further restricts women’s economic independence. Harmful practices such as early and forced marriages, often justified by cultural norms, continue to limit opportunities for many women and girls, especially in rural areas. I was particularly happy to see that the Government addressed these issues in its own report to the Committee and pledged to address them.

The upcoming Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in the UN Human Rights Council, with the Government’s Report due on 27 January 2025, provides yet another opportunity to address these challenges comprehensively. Key recommendations provided, among others, by the UN Country Team in Kyrgyzstan include adopting anti-discrimination legislation, enhancing protections for vulnerable groups, and ensuring accountability for gender-based violence. Similarly, the CESCR Report’s concluding observations underscore the importance of combating gender stereotypes, expanding economic opportunities for women, and improving access to education for women and girls. Incorporating these recommendations into national frameworks will strengthen Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to human rights and gender equality. In this context, I would also like to note the ongoing drafting of the National Development Strategy 2030 and encourage Parliament to actively contribute comments to ensure these vital aspects are fully addressed.

In addition, allow me to flag that the rights of girls require particular attention. Many girls face barriers to education, health care, and protection from violence. Early and forced marriages disrupt their education and limit their opportunities. The 2024 CESCR Report emphasized the need for targeted measures to ensure girls’ access to quality education, particularly in rural and minority communities, and to address socioeconomic barriers that hinder their development. Kyrgyzstan’s fourth UPR will similarly highlight the importance of combating child marriage and promoting gender-sensitive curricula to foster an environment of inclusion and empowerment for girls, while also contributing to a more peaceful society. 

The UN System in Kyrgyzstan is proud to partner with the Government and Parliament in advancing these priorities. Supporting initiatives such as the Women’s Leadership State Program and expanding voter education campaigns aim to increase women’s participation in public life. The upcoming National Action Plan on Gender Equality for 2025–2027 presents a roadmap for integrating gender-responsive budgeting, strengthening institutional mechanisms, and promoting inclusive policies. 

Honorable Members,

Parliament plays a pivotal role in shaping Kyrgyzstan’s gender equal future. The establishment of the Gender Council within the Jogorku Kenesh enhances dialogue among parliamentarians, civil society, and international partners, reinforcing gender equality as a national priority. By leveraging your oversight role, you can address legislative gaps, allocate resources effectively, and ensure compliance with international commitments. In this regard, the UN System is proud to support the Action Plan on Promoting Gender Equality in the Jogorku Kenesh, which outlines specific measures to increase women’s political representation and ensure their voices are heard in legislative processes.

Eradicating gender-based violence remains a cornerstone of these efforts. Recent amendments to the law on domestic violence, which include risk assessments, interagency cooperation, and correctional programs, are commendable. However, their effective implementation requires robust coordination, adequate resources, and survivor-centered services, including crisis centers and legal aid. Public awareness campaigns, such as the annual 16 Days Campaign, must challenge deeply rooted stereotypes and promote the societal value of gender equality. It is also crucial to provide targeted support for girls and young women, ensuring their safety and opportunities for growth.

Distinguished Participants,

30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action promised to advance women’s empowerment and prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls, it is beyond time to deliver. Promoting women’s leadership, addressing gender-based violence, and ensuring girls’ access to education are fundamental to Kyrgyzstan’s vision for a just and equitable society. By implementing the recommendations of the UPR and CESCR reports, Kyrgyzstan can build a society where every woman and girl can thrive, free from discrimination and violence. You can continue counting on the UN System’s support for your efforts to build a Kyrgyzstan where women and girls are empowered to reach their full potential.

Thank you.