BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan

On 27 March 2021, SRSG Natalia Gherman and the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov together with state officials, representatives of diplomatic community and development partners took part in the ceremony of planting trees under the motto "Developing Kyrgyzstan Together!".  This important event symbolizing equal opportunities for citizens to participate in the political life of the country was particularly devoted to increased participation of women in the local elections.

Recent amendments to the law of the Kyrgyz Republic on elections of members to local councils guarantee 30% seats for women. The introduction of a 30% gender quota is an important step aiming to overcome serious obstacles to women’s participation in politics, including in ayil keneshes (local councils), where women are represented only at 10-12 % level.

At the ceremony, President Japarov stated that support for women at all levels of government is key to successful development of the country. He expressed his readiness to support women's willingness to take care not only of their families but also of the well-being of their communities, adding that they can indeed contribute to the socio-economic prosperity of the entire country. The President expressed the hope that the planted seedlings would grow rapidly along with the rapid development of the country's regions.

SRSG Gherman stressed that women's empowerment is critical to peace, security and sustainable development for all. Gender equality has never been as important as it is now, since the pandemic affects women far more than men, in terms of economics, health and, regretfully, in terms of gender-based violence.

The SRSG welcomed the ongoing efforts of Kyrgyzstan to strengthen the role of women through the increased participation of women in politics. She highlighted that despite such commendable actions, much more remains to be done in the coming years to implement in practice relevant laws and decisions to achieve the goal of gender equality.

Using the opportunity, the SRSG informed the President and other attendees about the new and unique regional initiative - the Dialogue of Central Asian Women Leaders and thanked Kyrgyz representatives for taking an active part in this endeavor.