Religious extremism limits the progress of women and girls in Kyrgyzstan. Member of the UN working group Elizabeth Broderick announced at a press conference.
According to her, Kyrgyzstan has made notable progress in terms of women’s rights and gender equality, but there are still serious problems, such as socio-economic development.
«I would like to note new laws and institutional measures aimed at ensuring gender equality, as well as targeted programs and initiatives aimed at combating patriarchal attitudes and harmful stereotypes. However, we are concerned about the narrow conceptualization of key legal concepts such as discrimination and the problems of law enforcement,» Elizabeth Broderick said.
She stressed that despite the fact that Kyrgyzstan is a secular state, growing religious extremism limits the progress of women and girls and at the same time strengthens the attitude towards women as mothers and caregivers of children.
«We conducted a survey in Issyk-Kul, Osh regions and Bishkek. Interviewees often said that religious extremism prevents them from participating in the social life of the country,» Elizabeth Broderick said.
Another expert, Melissa Upreti, noted that although Kyrgyzstan has made formal commitments to promote women’s rights and gender equality, decision makers do not take a systematic approach to address the root causes and drivers of gender discrimination and violence, which in the context of the republic include harmful gender stereotypes, lack of economic opportunity and security for women and girls.
The working group developed a set of recommendations after meetings with authorities, women and girls, civil society organizations, academics, journalists, women MPs, UN organizations and other international organizations.
