OSCE supports gender mainstreaming for local governments in Kazakhstan

SEMEY, Kazakhstan, 4 October 2016 - An OSCE-supported training seminar on gender principles applied to local governments took place today in Semey, Kazakhstan for some 40 high-level government executives and district legislators.

The event was co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, the National Commission on Women’s Affairs and Family-Demographic Policy under the President and the East Kazakhstan Regional Administration.

Participants discussed challenges and opportunities for mainstreaming gender into policies and budgets by using statistical data at the local level. The potential for women’s empowerment in the political, social and economic spheres in Kazakhstan was explored in consideration of international standards to promote gender mainstreaming. Trainers also discussed the importance of election campaigning and communication strategies for promoting women candidates and leaders.

“OSCE participating States have committed themselves to encourage and promote equal opportunity for full participation of women in all aspects of political and public life,” said György Szabó, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “Today's event will thoroughly introduce you to the principles of gender policy, gender budgeting and will help you better understand the issues of local government.”

Elena Tarassenko, Deputy Head of the National Commission on Women’s Affairs and Family-Demographic Policy under the President, said: “This year the Republic of Kazakhstan is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Independence. One of the key areas in building a democratic society and promoting our independence was to achieve gender balance. In this regard, Kazakhstan in a short time has achieved significant results. ”

The event was the second in a set of three seminars this year aimed at supporting the host country in implementing the OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality.