The 3rd Forum of Women of the SCO countries with the participation of the Ombudsman has started
On June 10, the 3rd Forum of Women of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization countries was launched in the capital of Tajikistan with the participation of the Commissioner for Human Rights Elvira Azimova.
Chairman of the National Commission on Women's Affairs and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Lazzat Ramazanova, as well as other members and experts of the National Commission, took part in the Forum in an online format from Kazakhstan.
The Forum's discussion platforms will focus on strengthening the SCO countries ' institutional mechanisms for protecting women's rights, improving interaction and cooperation in eliminating discrimination, including violence against women and girls, and empowering women in the field of entrepreneurship.
"At this difficult time for all countries to overcome the global challenge of the pandemic, the efforts of women have become particularly important and significant. It is important to understand that women can be a driving force for positive changes and progress, overcoming the crisis consequences, " Lazzat Ramazanova addressed the participants.
The head of the National Commission stressed that the strengthening of the capacity of national institutions and mechanisms for the protection of women's rights, the development of democratic participation of women at the decision-making level, as well as the empowerment of women in all spheres will contribute to the universal promotion of the principles of equality.
Issues of peace and regional security were discussed at the Forum.
"Kazakhstan, as a peace-loving state that voluntarily renounced nuclear weapons, is committed to preventing conflict situations between countries at the regional and international levels. And we, women, should be at the forefront of preventive diplomacy, consolidate our common efforts to strengthen mutual trust, good-neighborliness, peace and security in the region, " the chairman of the National Commission stressed.
Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Kazakhstan Elvira Azimova informed the Forum participants about the Decree "On further measures of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of human rights" signed by the Head of State on June 9, 2021, which instructs the Government to adopt a plan of priority measures in the field of human rights, including those aimed at eliminating discrimination against women.
The Kazakh side expressed its readiness to make a constructive contribution to strengthening cooperation and implementing international initiatives on the issues under consideration. It is proposed to create a Single bank for the exchange of information and best practices by the SCO member states, including on issues of women's political leadership, anti-crisis measures taken to support the women of the SCO member states.
A joint statement is planned to be adopted at the end of the Forum.