The Regional Forum contributed to strengthening cooperation and the exchange of best practices in the implementation of progressive gender policy in the region.

These issues were discussed at the Forum of Women Leaders’ Dialogue of Central Asia, held during the Regular Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Leaders.

The event was attended by the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbayeva, Chairperson of the Mejlis of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan Gulshat Mammadova, Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Security of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aigul Kuspan, Deputy Torag of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic Aida Kasymalieva, Chairperson of the Committee on Women and Family Affairs under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan Hilolbi Kurbonzoda, UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Central Asia, Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Natalia Gherman, and the Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (RBEC) Mirjana Spoljaric Egger.

Participants considered the achievements of the Central Asian countries in implementing gender equality policy, discussed issues of strengthening the dialogue between women leaders of the Central Asian countries in various spheres, shared proposals for developing cooperation between states in gender policy and increasing the role of women in the region in the political, economic and social life of societies.

As it was noted at the forum, the Central Asian countries have common traditions, history, culture, religion, and also face similar challenges in terms of ensuring gender equality and protecting women's rights. At the same time, each country has its own positive experience and examples of best practices in gender issues, including in terms of development of women's entrepreneurship, ensuring employment and social protection of women, their participation in public affairs, development of science, healthcare, education and culture. Therefore, sharing these positive experiences and actively interact on all issues of gender issues both in multilateral and bilateral formats is in the common interests of women throughout the region.

The Declaration of the Forum of Women Leaders’ Dialogue of Central Asia was adopted at the event, which confirms the commitment of the Dialogue to the agenda “Women, Peace and Security”, the Agenda for Sustainable Development for the period up to 2030, the Decade of Action to Achieve Global Goals, and also notes the position of the Dialogue, which advocates the development of effective ways to fully realize the scientific-technical, creative, intellectual and entrepreneurial potential of women in Central Asian states, further continuation of efforts to expand the opportunities of women and girls in the business.

The forum participants agreed on the need to further enhance cooperation, exchange positive experiences to ensure the effective operation of this regional platform and make an important contribution to deepening regional partnership for the benefit of the Central Asian countries.

UzA