Kyrgyzstan To Bring More Women Into Power
Sairash, the main character in a Kyrgyz documentary, 'Elechek' (2006), that addresses the issue of polygamy in Kyrgyzstan (RFE/RL)
March 23, 2006 -- Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev has decreed that "women should have at least 30 percent representation in state bodies and local governments, including in decision-making positions."
Kyrgyzstan currently has one female minister, and no female member of parliament.
All bills and regulations will now be subject to a mandatory "gender appraisal" in an bid to create conditions "to achieve women's empowerment."
The heads of national and local government agencies will now be obliged to introduce equal-employment policies.
(RIA Novosti, ITAR-TASS, Kabar)