OSCE meeting focuses on equal economic opportunities for women in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 29 June 2005 - The problems of integrating women into Kyrgyzstan's economic development policies were the focus of a meeting held in Bishkek today.

The meeting on Gender Aspects of Employment and Micro-crediting, held by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan's Secretariat of the National Council on Women, Family and Gender Development, brought together members of Parliament and representatives of governmental agencies, NGOs and micro-financing institutions.

The event was aimed at raising awareness in Parliament and government of the importance of taking more account of the needs of women in future development policies. It also provided a good opportunity to discuss the current situation regarding the participation of women in the economic and social life, as well as achievements and lessons learned.

Participants offered recommendations and an action plan to improve the status of women and increase their economic opportunities.

"The OSCE helps participating States ensure that women are better represented in economic and social life," said Asim Acikel, Economic and Environmental Officer at the OSCE Centre. "We hope that the action plan and the recommendations from today's event will be put into action."

The Head of the Secretariat of the National Council on Women, Family and Gender Development, Bahtygul Togonbayeva, underlined the importance of an action plan that could serve as an effective mechanism to improve the situation in Kyrgyzstan. She urged legislative, executive authorities and microcrediting institutions to work out mechanisms for better microcrediting opportunities for women.