Gender Equality - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 11

March for Women’s Rights in Bishkek: Kyrgyz Voices Demand Change

The annual March for Women's Rights in Bishkek on March 8 drew around 500 participants, reaffirming Kyrgyzstan’s status as the only country in Central Asia where such demonstrations take place every year, despite persistent pressure and resistance. The march began at noon in front of the former Ministry of Foreign Affairs building near Staraya Square. Participants, chanting slogans, walked to Gorky Park, holding placards demanding equality and greater protection of women's rights. "We Need Security, Not Flowers" Many posters reflected the urgent issues faced by Kyrgyz women: "Don't be silent." "Abortion is a personal decision, not a legal debate." "We need security, not flowers." "No to violence against women." "A WOMAN is NOT a free housekeeper. Not a reproductive item. Not cheap labor. Not an object of comfort." [caption id="attachment_29596" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image: ТСА, Tamila Olzhbaekova[/caption] These slogans underscore the real challenges confronting women in Kyrgyzstan, including domestic violence, gender inequality, and the restriction of reproductive rights. "I Am Proud That Women Can Speak Openly About Their Rights" For many participants, the march was not just a protest but also a significant step in the ongoing fight for their rights. Mairam, 24, Osh: "I am proud to live in a country where women can speak openly about their rights. Despite all the difficulties, we continue to take to the streets, and this is very important. This march reminds us that we are not alone." Amina, 20, Bishkek: "This is my second year participating in the march. For me, it is more than just an event—it is an opportunity to voice the concerns of all women in our country. Here, you feel unity and support." Asel, 27, Bishkek: "Every year, I come here because I believe that the louder we speak about our rights, the more change we can achieve. Women in Kyrgyzstan deserve security and equal opportunities." [caption id="attachment_29595" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image: ТСА, Tamila Olzhbaekova[/caption] A Symbol of the Struggle for Equal Rights The Women’s March in Bishkek has become a symbol of resistance and determination, continuing despite repeated attempts to ban or restrict it. Year after year, more people take to the streets to affirm a simple yet powerful message that women's rights are human rights, and without equality, there can be no just society.

Culture Family Gender Equality Youth

Gender Inequality in Marriage: The Role of the Kelin in Kyrgyzstan

Gender inequality in marriage remains a significant issue in Kyrgyzstan, particularly with regard to the role of the kelin - the daughter-in-law - who is traditionally expected to shoulder numerous household responsibilities. In this patriarchal society, women often face pressure from their husbands' families, limited career opportunities, and an unequal division of domestic labor. According to recent data, 12.9% of women in Kyrgyzstan marry before the age of 18. This figure nearly doubles in rural areas compared to urban ones, reflecting stark regional disparities. Many families continue to uphold traditional expectations for women, especially the kelin, who is considered responsible for caring for her husband, his parents, the children, and the household. The Kelin: Between Tradition and Change Kyrgyz women have varying attitudes toward their role in the family. While some accept these expectations as part of their cultural heritage, others see them as a problem requiring change. Personal Stories Aizhan, 24, Osh (name changed): "After marriage, I was expected to leave my job and devote myself fully to the household. Although my husband supports my career aspirations, there is pressure from both his parents and mine. In the early years of our marriage, I had to prove that I was a good wife - cooking, cleaning, and pleasing my mother-in-law - even though I had the opportunity to build a career. My parents also insisted that I focus on household duties to avoid being ridiculed by others. This frustrates me, but my husband stands by me." Nuria, 25, Naryn (name changed): "In our social circle, it is rare for young couples to strive for equality in marriage. Traditional expectations remain strong, and sometimes compromises are necessary to maintain peace in the family. Early in my marriage, I didn’t feel much pressure, but after the birth of my child, I was often reminded that my primary role was now to be a mother and the keeper of the hearth." Ainura, 23, Bishkek (name changed): "In the capital, it's easier to be independent. More people here support the idea of equal rights. However, even in Bishkek, many girls face the expectation of becoming perfect kelins. This pressure usually comes from parents who cling to traditional values." Societal Expectations Beyond Marriage For many young women, gendered expectations begin long before they marry. From an early age, girls are taught to prioritize marriage and family above personal ambitions. Saule, 22, Bishkek: "I’m 20 and don’t want to get married yet, but my relatives constantly hint that ‘the clock is ticking’ and that I should start looking for a groom. They don’t understand that I have other plans. Sometimes they introduce me to potential suitors, which is awkward and frustrating." In some families, restrictions are imposed on daughters to preserve their "marriage prospects." Kamilla, 23, Bishkek: "I was often told to be modest, avoid friendships with boys, and dress conservatively because ‘I had to get married.’ Many girls like me missed out on a full teenage experience. However, I’ve noticed that the younger generation...

Legislation Parliament Gender Equality Social protection

Uzbekistan Proposes 5-Day Paid Paternity Leave

Uzbekistan is taking steps to introduce new labor standards that support fathers and advance gender equality. A draft law submitted to parliament proposes granting men five days of paid leave within a month after the birth of their child. Deputy Nodir Tilavoldiyev stated that the proposal aligns with the country’s ongoing gender reforms. Currently, Uzbekistan’s labor laws do not include provisions for paternity leave, leaving many men to balance work and family responsibilities or rely on unpaid leave during this period. The draft law also seeks to enhance workplace protections by addressing discrimination, harassment, and violence. Employers would be empowered to transfer or dismiss employees found guilty of violence or abuse against colleagues. Additionally, the legislation focuses on supporting victims of domestic violence. It proposes including them in the list of socially vulnerable groups eligible for state-guaranteed employment assistance. These measures aim to foster a safer and more inclusive working environment for all. In neighboring Kazakhstan, fathers can already request unpaid leave upon the birth of a child, with some financial support provided through social payments.

Women's rights Gender Equality life and culture Women entrepreneurs Legislation

Social Researcher: Serious Effort Required for Women’s Representation in Kazakh Politics

According to Gulmira Ileuova, a sociologist and the head of the Strategy Centre for Social and Political Research, gender equality in Kazakhstan has severely deteriorated. In an interview with TCA, she explains how social regression and a depletion of human resources are making it difficult for women to participate in political parties, social movements, and public services. TCA: Sources illustrate that after the 2023 parliamentary elections, the representation of women deputies in the Mazhilis fell from 27% to 18%. In addition, Kazakhstan's performance in the Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI) has deteriorated. This year, the country fell from 62nd to 76th place. This index, which can be used to judge the economy's stability and legal security, has a serious impact on investors. What, in your opinion, is the reason for this deterioration? First of all, I would like to point out that until 2021, the Labor Code had restrictions on where women could work based on concerns about their health. Now that the restrictions have been lifted, progress is steadily being made in involving women in areas previously inaccessible to them. Some companies have already published data that women have begun operating heavy machinery, such as big trucks, which was not the case before. As for politics and the civil service, it appears that under the spread of influence from the south, the country is reinstating traditional social relations. Independent Kazakhstan has entered a new period where traditional and non-traditional forms of Islam thrive, and hyper-masculine and patriarchal attitudes are on the rise. I emphasize the patriarchal division of life through reinforced gender roles because it is gaining strength and spreading across all regions of the country. Furthermore, this trend is moving into the sphere of politics and civil services. Let's take a look at what preceded these trends. In many regions, primarily in the south, there is a huge number of women who wishing to undertake the important work of reproduction, were receiving TSA (targeted social assistance). According to statistics in 2019, there were 2 million and 221 thousand recipients of TSA (about 12% of the population). Today, their number has decreased six fold to about 350 thousand. These numbers include women who thought they would bypass employment through state support systems. And now these women are in trouble. The state is revising its social policy, but the paternalistic trend has long been developing and a large number of people have abused it. TCA: Are you saying that women, in receipt of child allowances, prefer to stay at home as opposed to actively entering economic relations or aspiring to participate in civil services or politics? Yes, and I am afraid that this trend cannot be overcome by quick measures or be alleviated by even quotas for women. In a 'strategy' study conducted by the Center for Social and Political Research in the Turkestan region, an official working in gender policy said that at some point, the political representation of women fell to 5%. There were actually no women in senior...

Welfare Gender Equality UNDP Human rights

UNDP and Samruk Kazyna Support Socially Vulnerable Young People in Kazakhstan

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan’s National Welfare Fund Samruk-Kazyna JSC have signed a non-financial statement of intent on cooperation to support socially vulnerable young people in the regions of Kazakhstan. According to a report issued by UNDP Kazakhstan, the agreement will also promote responsible business practices addressing potential human rights violation risks, and introduce principles of gender equality to overcome gender discrimination in companies associated with the Samruk-Kazyna Fund. Gibrat Auganov, Managing Director for Corporate Governance, Social and Labour Relations and Occupational Health and Safety of Samruk-Kazyna JSC, commented: "As part of our cooperation with the UNDP, we are launching an internship programme at our companies to support socially disadvantaged young people from the various regions of Kazakhstan. We are also planning a number of initiatives in the field of human resources and social policy - based on global standards of gender equality and human rights protection." Over 300 young people from the Mangystau and Kyzylorda regions are expected to complete internships at Samruk-Kazyna companies this year. The joint internship programme is a key component of the UNDP regional initiative "Strengthening Community Resilience to Prevent Violent Extremism in Central Asia," funded by the government of Japan. As part of the partnership, UNDP will also provide technical support to Samruk-Kazyna JSC to conduct a gender assessment of the holding's activities, develop an action plan and provide training on human rights due diligence and gender equality. "This partnership has three main objectives that reflect our shared desire to create a more just, responsible and inclusive future,” said Sukhrob Khojimatov, UNDP Deputy Representative in Kazakhstan. “Implementing human rights standards and gender equality strategies brings tangible economic benefits. This helps businesses attract and retain talented employees, encourages innovation, improves financial performance and enhances their reputation among consumers and investors.”

Gender Equality Women's rights Rule of law Legislation

Women and Girls in Central Asia in Need of Protection from Violence

Central Asian Countries are seeing a new wave of violence against women and girls, and the fight against their long-standing powerlessness is just beginning. In 2023, the Women, Peace and Security Index (WPS Index), published by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security and the PRIO Centre on Gender, Peace and Security, found Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan the most dangerous countries in Central Asia for women. Things were deemed slightly better in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. The challenges faced by women in the region result from a combination of factors: the low number of women in government and law enforcement, women’s lack of financial independence, especially in rural areas, a distorted understanding of traditions across populations, and a mentality in society that often denies or covers up flagrant cases of injustice. The law is written in blood: the case of Kazakhstan According to WPS experts, Kazakhstan has progressed further than its neighbors toward equality. Still, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, 69 women and seven children died in 2023 in domestic conflicts alone. It is believed that, on average, at least 80 women die every year at the hands of those they live with; every day, the police receive hundreds of calls, while thousands of women need the help of specialized protection and support centers. According to the Prosecutor General, last year 150 women sustained severe injuries and 200 moderate injuries in marital conflicts, with another 4,000 suffering minor bruises. This year, however, marked a turning point for Kazakhstani society – more and more women are recording videos with marks from beatings, posting the videos on social media, and calling on the police to punish their abusers. Even high-profile domestic abusers can now be exposed. The trigger for these changes was the trial of former Nazarbayev-era Minister of the National Economy, Kuandyk Bishimbayev, who beat his wife, Saltanat Nukenova, to death last November. Following a live-streamed trial, this May, Bishimbayev was sentenced to 24 years in prison for her murder. Even during the Bishimbayev trial, Karina Mamash, the wife of a Kazakh diplomat in the UAE, went public with allegations about systematic abuse, calling on the state to help. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urgently recalled her husband, Embassy Counselor Saken Mamash, who may be fired. Karina is now at home with her children while a criminal case has been opened against her husband. She has since reported threats from her husband's relatives. Also in May, Akmaral Umbetkalieva, a resident of Atyrau, alleged that her ex-husband, Rinat Ibragimov – the akim (mayor) of Makat District in Atyrau Region – had beaten her for eleven years and taken away their children. Ibragimov called the allegations slander. The month before, former Taldykorgan police chief, Marat Kushtybaev was sentenced to eleven years for raping a girl in his office in November 2023. Another headline from April was that a security guard at an Almaty bar who had been convicted of raping a girl at knifepoint would serve eight years in prison. The...