Regional measures to counter gender-based violence, rule of law and access to justice discussed in Astana
Elvira Azimova participated in the Dialogue of Women Parliamentarians of Central Asian countries. This format was created by women MPs of Central Asian countries, the purpose of which is to discuss current topics of gender policy and develop joint recommendations and projects to promote regional initiatives.
Every year the chairmanship of this platform is held alternately by members of the Parliament of each of the countries of the region. The Majilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan passed the chairmanship for 2024 to Kyrgyz parliamentarians.
During 2023, Kazakh parliamentarians, together with representatives of the civil society and government agencies, held events and implemented training projects for women leaders of Central Asian countries, including in the field of entrepreneurship and IT. The final event of Kazakhstan's chairmanship was a regional dialog on the theme: "Countering gender-based violence in the region: in search of effective and sustainable joint solutions". The dialogue was organized by the Majilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan jointly with UN Women.
In Astana, representatives of legislative bodies, experts and human rights defenders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan discussed regional measures to counter gender-based violence, the rule of law and access to justice.
In her welcoming speech, the head of the Constitutional Court noted the importance of consolidating the efforts of all branches of state power, international and non-governmental organizations in promoting the policy of equality and non-discrimination against women's rights. Azimova emphasized that gender equality is not only one of the basic human rights, but also a necessary basis for achieving peace, prosperity and sustainable development.
The principles of equality and non-discrimination continue to be relevant at the global and regional levels. Equal rights and opportunities for women and men are clearly enshrined in the strategic documents of the Central Asian States, the United Nations, the European Union and the OSCE.
In this context, the mission of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan to monitor the supremacy of constitutional guarantees and rights is significant. Interesting data were provided on the representation of women in the judiciary (more than 40 per cent) and law enforcement agencies (more than 15 per cent). The Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan has 3 women out of 11 judges, Kyrgyzstan has 3 women out of 7 judges, Uzbekistan has 2 women out of 8 judges, and Tajikistan has 1 woman out of 7 judges.
The need for women's representation in the justice system was emphasized from the standpoint of ensuring security and preventing violations of rights. In view of the above, it was proposed to create a unified Association of Central Asian Women in Justice in order to consolidate efforts and promote best practices, both in the judicial system and in the judicial system.