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Kyrgyzstan to Enshrine Concept of “Women’s Entrepreneurship” in Law

Kyrgyzstan's Jogorku Kenesh (parliament) has approved, in its third reading, a bill to introduce the term “women’s entrepreneurship” into the country’s Law on the Protection of Entrepreneurs’ Rights. The amendments, proposed by deputies Kamila Talieva, Eldar Abakirov, Daniyar Tolonov, Taalaibek Masabirov, Elvira Surabaldieva, and Nilufar Alimzhanova, aim to recognize women entrepreneurs as a distinct category within small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). The initiative is expected to drive the growth of small and microbusinesses in Kyrgyzstan, following the example of international practices. Employment Disparities According to the explanatory note accompanying the bill, the employment rate for working-aged women in 2020 was 43%, compared to 70.9% for men. In urban areas, women’s employment stood at 46.8%, while in rural areas, it dropped to 40.6%. Additionally, women comprise 69% of the economically inactive population, with 97% of them engaged in household work. A Path to Economic Empowerment The bill’s authors emphasize that legislative recognition of women’s entrepreneurship will expand access to state support for women-led businesses. This could enhance women’s participation in the business sector, improve their economic standing, and contribute to the overall wellbeing of families and society. The proposed measures aim to address gender barriers, encourage women’s economic activity, and create favorable conditions for their full participation in the development of SMEs. Lawmakers believe such changes will not only bolster economic stability but also strengthen social cohesion. A Rare Legislative Step Kyrgyzstan’s effort to enshrine women’s entrepreneurship in law is rather rare in the global context. While other countries have some framework to support entrepreneurship among women, provisions are often more vague. For example: – In Uzbekistan, the Law On Guarantees of Freedom of Entrepreneurial Activity provides broad protections but does not specifically address women’s entrepreneurship. – In Russia there is no legal definition of women’s entrepreneurship, though various programs support women in business. – In the United States the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988 offers significant support to women entrepreneurs but does not explicitly define the term. By taking this legislative step, Kyrgyzstan positions itself as a leader in fostering gender-inclusive economic policies, potentially serving as a model for other nations.

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Interview: A Profile of Women’s Rights in Central Asia from Equality Now

Equality Now is an international human rights organization that uses the law to protect and promote the rights of all women and girls worldwide. The organization combines grassroots activism with legal advocacy at national, regional, and international levels, and collaborates closely with local partners to ensure governments enact and enforce laws protecting women’s and girls’ rights. The Times of Central Asia spoke with Equality Now's Eurasia consultant Janette Akhilgova about the issues that women and girls in Central Asia face, and how women's rights are being addressed. TCA: Equality Now works in all regions of the world. Which social issues and inequalities are most affecting women and girls in Central Asia at the present time? JA: One of Equality Now’s main focuses in Central Asia is ending sexual violence and improving access to justice for survivors, specifically women and girls. In 2019, we published “Roadblocks to Justice: How the Law is Failing Survivors of Sexual Violence in Eurasia,” examining laws on rape and other forms of sexual violence in 15 former Soviet Union countries. This report formed the basis of our work in Eurasia, helping us identify the major legal gaps in the region. A critical legal gap is the absence of a consent-based definition of rape, which means the law does not recognize a broad range of coercive circumstances where consent cannot be genuine, willing, or voluntary. This omission leaves some forms of sexual violence unpunished, perpetuating a culture of impunity. Inadequate support systems for sexual violence survivors compound the problem, enabling miscarriages of justice and fostering a widespread lack of trust in legal systems. Another obstacle to justice for survivors is the provision for conciliation between parties in rape cases. This practice involves sexual violence survivors being encouraged or pressured to reach an agreement with their assailant outside of the formal criminal justice system. The approach often involves mediating a settlement, whether financial or otherwise, between the survivor and the accused, typically facilitated by families, communities, or even legal authorities. Conciliation is sometimes not voluntary as survivors are often subjected to societal pressure. The social stigma attached to rape, a strong culture of victim blaming, and a lack of awareness about legal procedures are also factors that contribute to sexual violence cases not being reported to authorities and instead being dealt with privately. TCA: Is progress being made to eradicate these issues? Conversely, are there any parts of life where women and girls see their rights eroded? JA: Central Asian countries have made varying progress in advancing women’s rights and welfare. The 2022 Global Gender Gap Report highlighted significant strides by Kazakhstan, such as lifting restrictions on “banned professions” so that women are no longer legally prohibited from doing certain jobs previously deemed "too dangerous" or "unsuitable" for women. The country has also adopted new and comprehensive laws to protect women's and children’s rights. Another progressive legal reform in Kyrgyzstan was the introduction in 2024 of a law on domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence that strengthened access to justice for...

Central Asia Uzbekistan Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture Life & Culture Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan Life & Culture

BBC Women of the Year List Includes Two Nominees From Central Asia

The BBC has unveiled its annual list of the world’s most inspiring women. The introduction to the list says that the “BBC 100 Women Project highlights women who have shown remarkable determination to drive change in a year marked by global upheaval.” Alongside figures such as Nobel laureate Nadia Murad, actress Sharon Stone, Olympians Rebeca Andrade and Allyson Felix, singer Ray, artist Tracey Emin, climate activist Adenike Oladosu, and writer Cristina Rivera Garza, the list of nominees includes two women from Central Asia. They are: Dilorom Yuldasheva (Uzbekistan) [caption id="attachment_26251" align="aligncenter" width="300"] @BBC| Dilorom Yuldosheva, Uzbekistan[/caption] A seamstress and entrepreneur, two years ago Dilorom Yuldasheva lost both legs in an accident. Undeterred, she pursued her dream of empowering young women in Uzbekistan to earn livelihoods and develop new skills. Yuldasheva established a tailoring business after studying entrepreneurship and resource management. In a short time, she trained over 40 students, offering free classes as her business grew. She secured contracts to produce clothing for workers and schoolchildren, creating income opportunities for herself and dozens of other women. Zhanylsynzat Turganbayeva (Kyrgyzstan) [caption id="attachment_26252" align="aligncenter" width="300"] @BBC| Zhanylsynzat Turganbaeva, Kyrgyzstan[/caption] Zhanylsynzat Turganbayeva is devoted to preserving and restoring Kyrgyz cultural heritage. She runs an ethnology museum in Bishkek, showcasing unique national artifacts. Her charitable efforts focus on safeguarding Kyrgyz literature, including the epic Manas. This UNESCO-recognized work spans approximately 500,000 lines—20 times the length of Homer’s Odyssey—and recounts the story of a hero who unites 40 Kyrgyz tribes. Turganbayeva creates resources and opportunities for “manaschi,” the traditional performers of the epic. These women exemplify courage and perseverance, inspiring others to bring positive change to their communities.

Central Asia Life & Culture Kazakhstan Life & Culture Kazakhstan

British Citizen Becomes First Holder of Kazakhstan’s New Neo Nomad Visa

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has announced that Sertac Yener, a British citizen, has become the first foreign national to receive the new Neo Nomad Visa. Kazakhstan introduced updated visa regulations on November 18, 2024, to attract business immigrants, skilled professionals, and tourists. Among the new offerings is the Digital Nomad Visa, which provides long-term residence options for IT specialists, and the Neo Nomad Visa, designed for “neo-nomads” with a verified monthly income of at least $3,000. Applicants for the Neo Nomad Visa are required to provide health insurance and a clean criminal record. The first Neo Nomad Visa was issued at Kazakhstan’s embassy in the UAE. Sertac Yener brings 30 years of experience in the energy sector, focusing on project development, financing, and corporate partnerships. In addition to his professional pursuits, Yener has a deep interest in Kazakhstan’s language, culture, natural landscapes, and gastronomy. His daughter completed studies in Kazakh language and Central Asian studies at the University of Chicago. “Kazakhstan is an amazing country!” Yener said. “With the Neo Nomad Visa program, I have the opportunity to stay in this country for up to one year. The visa will allow me to work remotely in my company and get to know Kazakhstan, immersing myself in nature, a friendly atmosphere, cuisine, music, traditions, and language. Thanks to my daughter, I 've been enjoying the melody and richness of the Kazakh language for some time now.”

Central Asia Tajikistan Life & Culture Life & Culture Tajikistan Tajikistan Business Economy Local Politics Business & Economy

Tajikistan Seeks to Reduce the List of Prohibited Professions for Women

Tajikistan is taking steps to further reduce the list of professions prohibited for women, cutting the number from 334 to 194 in 2024. This initiative aims to expand women’s access to employment opportunities in industries previously deemed unsuitable. According to Shakhnoza Nodiri, Deputy Minister of Labor, Migration, and Employment of Tajikistan, the decision aligns with efforts to modernize production, automate processes, and enhance workplace safety, thereby making previously restricted jobs accessible to women. The list of banned professions was initially established to protect women’s health from the risks of heavy and hazardous work. However, it is increasingly viewed as a barrier to women’s professional growth. The recent changes are informed by international standards and the recommendations of the European Union, particularly to align with GSP+ preferences, which promote gender equality in the labor force. “By revising this list, we are enabling women to access new opportunities and strengthen their economic position,” Nodiri emphasized. Previously, the list included 336 prohibited professions, such as work in underground mines and other roles involving hazardous conditions. With advancements in technology, automation, and improved workplace conditions, 142 professions have been deemed safe for women. However, restrictions remain for roles involving particularly heavy or harmful work. Data from the Labor and Employment Agency show that in 2024, 29,296 women were employed, marking a 1.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This reflects growing opportunities for women in the labor market. The government plans to continue reducing the list of prohibited professions, aiming to allow women to participate fully in all sectors of the national economy. Article 216 of the Labor Code of Tajikistan prohibits women from working in heavy and underground industries. Employers who violate these regulations face administrative fines. Ongoing labor law reforms seek to strike a balance between safeguarding women’s health and ensuring their right to work. As Tajikistan modernizes its labor policies, the country moves closer to achieving a more inclusive and equitable workforce.

Cultural Heritage Central Asia Life & Culture Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan Unveils Record-Breaking Collector Coin

The National Bank of Kyrgyzstan has unveiled the most expensive collector coin in its history - a gold coin titled “Aikol Manas.” The initiative aims to promote oral folk traditions and preserve the cultural heritage of the Kyrgyz people. The coin was officially released on December 2. The National Bank emphasized the cultural significance of the epic Manas, which holds a central place in Kyrgyz's spiritual life and is recognized as a global masterpiece of oral folk art. The epic narrates the story of the legendary warrior Manas, who, through his courage and leadership, united the Kyrgyz tribes to secure independence and freedom for their native land. The coin's obverse features an intricate depiction of Manas in battle armor astride his horse, Akkula, set against the snowy peaks of the Ala-Too mountains. Above, the inscription “Aikol Manas” is engraved, with details of the gold's purity (Au 999) and weight (15.55g) on the right. At the bottom are the coin’s face value (200 KGS) and the symbol of the Kyrgyz currency. On the reverse, the coat of arms of the Kyrgyz Republic is framed by traditional national ornaments symbolizing Kyrgyz warriors. Along the circumference, the text “National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic” is engraved, with the year of issue, 2024, displayed at the bottom. The coin is an official means of payment in Kyrgyzstan, packaged in an acrylic capsule within a protective case and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Priced at 123,400 KGS ($1,420), it is available for purchase at the National Bank’s cash desks. Since gaining independence, Kyrgyzstan has issued several gold collector coins celebrating its cultural heritage. The first was released in 1995 to honor the 1,000th anniversary of the Manas epic. In 2015, the National Bank introduced the “Snow Leopard” coin, featuring diamond inlays. For the 30th anniversary of independence in 2021, a gold coin with a face value of 100 KGS was issued.