In preparation for the upcoming 68th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), consultations for Central Asia and Azerbaijan were convened in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on February 12, the government portal of Uzbekistan reported. The focus of the discussions centered on accelerating the achievement of gender equality and women's empowerment by addressing poverty, strengthening institutions, and financing with a gender perspective.
The event, organized by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis in collaboration with UN Women, saw the participation of members of parliament from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan. Additionally, representatives from civil society, youth organizations, academic circles, gender experts, as well as various UN programs, funds, agencies, and private sector entities supporting gender equality and women's economic empowerment, attended the consultations.
In a video message to the participants, the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, Tanzila Narbayeva, highlighted the significant progress made by Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan in protecting women's rights, preventing violence and discrimination, and ensuring their participation in decision-making processes. Narbayeva emphasized the commitment to continue efforts towards comprehensive support for measures ensuring the social protection of women.
“Today, the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan have made great progress in protecting women's rights, freedoms, and interests, preventing violence and discrimination, as well as ensuring their participation in decision-making processes. As a result of the reforms and changes implemented in the field of ensuring gender equality in our countries, the necessary experience and practice have been gathered, and favorable conditions are being created for the full and equal participation of women in social, political, and economic life,” Narbayeva voiced.
Discussions during the consultations encompassed a range of topics, including integrating intersectoral approaches to addressing poverty, strengthening institutions, gender-specific financing, and bridging funding gaps for gender equality and women's empowerment. The disproportionate burden of unpaid care and housework, and strategies for transitioning to service activities and enhancing social protection services and systems were also addressed.
The primary objective of the consultations is to assess the potential and opportunities within the region to achieve gender equality and determine priority development strategies for poverty eradication, social protection, and labor force activities. At the conclusion of the event, a comprehensive document containing references, best practices, and specific recommendations will be adopted. This document aims to contribute to the discussions at the 68th session of the CSW and serve as the foundation for the participation of the Central Asian region (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan), and Azerbaijan.
The consultations underscore the collective commitment of participating nations and stakeholders towards advancing gender equality and women's empowerment in Central Asia and Azerbaijan, aligning with global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the objectives outlined in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)