Permanent Mission of Kyrgyzstan to the United Nations

STATEMENT

By H.E. Mrs. Mirgul MOLDOISAEVA

Permanent Representative of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Nations at the 62nd session of the Commission on the Status of Women (___ March 2018)

 Mr. President,

Kyrgyzstan welcomes the theme of this session “A holistic, integrated approach to accelerate rural`s women empowerment”. Economic empowerment and meaningful participation of rural women and girls in society is one of the most significant priorities for Kyrgyzstan, because more than 60 % of the population is living in rural area. Moreover, difficult conditions of rural life are complicated by the geographical peculiarity of the country, since more than 90% of the territory of Kyrgyzstan is located at an altitude of more than 1000 m above sea level.

Mr. President,

           Women`s role in rural areas and agriculture is very diverse and is extremely significant. They accomplish a notable part of the work, such as the production of food, farming, as well as the bulk of unpaid household duties. Our duty is not only to create the necessary conditions to facilitate the lives of millions of women and girls, and to give them an opportunity for development, but also to take all measures towards eradicating discrimination in any of its manifestations.

The legal and political framework for the expansion and implementation of women's rights is sufficiently well-developed and strong in my country. In particular, we have adopted a national strategy for gender equality for the period until 2020. The strategy identifies such priority areas as the role of women in economy, functional education, access to justice and political equality. According to national legislation all draft laws undergo mandatory gender analysis. There is a National Council for gender development under the Government, and more than 10 thousand NGOs, many of whom are successfully working on gender issues. As a special measure to support women in politics, there is 30% quota for representation of women in parliament. Special measures are consistently underway to increase women's participation at the decision-making level in central government, as well as in local authorities and judicial bodies.

Another important work focused on confronting family violence. Last year the Government of Kyrgyzstan adopted a new law “On protection against family violence”.According to this document, law enforcement agencies are obliged to respond to every report of domestic violence made by any citizen, not just the victim. The law recognizes not only physical and psychological violence but also the so-called “economic violence”. An important element of this system is that any victim of domestic violence, no matter whether a criminal case has been initiated or not, may use the law to take full advantage of her key rights, such as access to safe haven, medical and psychiatric rehabilitation. This law also paves the way for psychologist to work with both the victim and the abuser.

Mr. President,

            Achieving gender equality and empowering women is not only the right thing to do but is a critical ingredient in the fight against extreme poverty, hunger and malnutrition. 45 percent of the agricultural labour force in developing countriesis women. Evidence shows that when women have opportunities, the yields on their farms increase - also their incomes. Natural resources are better managed. Nutrition is improved. And livelihoods are more secured.The Joint Programme on Acceleration of the Progress towards Economic Empowerment of Rural Women operates in Kyrgyzstan since 2014. By the end of 2016, they were operating in 73 villages in five oblasts, and had directly benefited 3,150 rural residents. An estimated further 8,500 people have benefited indirectly.

            We are positive, that rural women’s empowerment is a right way to achieve all of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Government of Kyrgyzstan is committed to continuing to advance women's empowerment, gender equality, and human rights at all levels.

Thank you for your attention!