Cooperation in the field of gender policies discussed in Brussels

BRUSSELS, OCTOBER 11, 2021 - Chair of the Committee on International Affairs, Defense and Security of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aigul Kuspan met with Silvana Koch-Mehrin, President of the organization "Women Political Leaders".

A.Kuspan thanked the President of the "Women Political Leaders" for the appointment of the organization's Ambassador in Kazakhstan. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on achieving gender balance and creating equal opportunities for women's active participation in political, economic, and social life. A.Kuspan noted that the country has implemented a gender-oriented policy and that equal opportunities for promotion have been created at all levels. The Kazakh MP also stressed that Kazakhstan has formed its own model of gender policy based on international best practices, taking into account national features and aimed at achieving gender equality, empowerment, and protection of the rights of women and girls.

"In his Address to the People of Kazakhstan in September 2021, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underlined the importance of ensuring maximum support for the economic and political positions of women in society. Today, women are represented at the highest decision-making level – as deputies of the Parliament, members of the Government, the Constitutional Council and the Central Election Commission, deputy akims (governors) of regions, and at almost all levels of public service," she said.

Silvana Koch-Mehrin shared information about the current projects of her organization and noted the importance of cooperation between "Women Political Leaders" and Kazakhstan. She invited the Kazakh parliamentarian to take part in the Reykjavik Global Forum - Women Leaders 2021, planned for November 8-10 this year in Iceland.

She stressed that the support of women in strengthening their role in the political, economic, and social spheres of life of the country and the region will help to realize the opportunities of women in the direction of ensuring security, development, and peace in the region. Also, Silvana Koch-Mehrin noted that the Kazakh model of gender policy could be an example for other countries in the region.

The parties agreed to actively cooperate and exchange relevant information on gender equality and women's empowerment within the framework of "Women Political Leaders".