EXCERPTS: Kazakhstan Women's Congress staged in Astana

Source: 
Caspionet
Duration: 
Sunday, March 6, 2011 - 19:00
Countries: 
Asia
Central Asia
Kazakhstan
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Participation
Human Rights
Initiative Type: 
Statements

The President has taken part in the first congress of Kazakhstan's women, which was held in the city of Astana. The head of state noted that women have always been his most faithful teammates and the country's leader also hopes it will remain so during the new stage of the Republic's development.

Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan
"Throughout these years, when we were passing through the most difficult times after the collapse of one country, the country experienced full stagnation of the economy and the life of the country. During the following years, you, women, were always near and supported all my steps even though many people did not believe me then. We have all won it and I thank you for this. I would like to wish you happy International Women's Day. I wish all of you present here and all women in Kazakhstan all the best, accord, love and the prosperity of our common homeland, the Republic of Kazakhstan."

Women in Kazakhstan are more than just mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, or wives. It is rarely mentioned but women produce 40% of the Republic's Gross Domestic Product. The major share of teachers and doctors of the country is made up of women and they total 60% of the budget sphere employees. Kazakhstan's women glorify their homeland with their talents and win gold medals at sports contests for the country. Women are now taking leading positions in the sphere of small and medium-sized businesses. The share of women in the government, parliament, territorial administrations, and councils grows year by year. Nursultan Nazarbayev, however, believes that there should be more women in power.

Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan
"Men do not let them go there. This is because when a woman takes a position, it becomes obvious that she works better than a man."

While at the congress, Nursultan Nazarbayev noted that the issues of support for mothers and children, women's entrepreneurship and gender equality take a central place in his policy. This will remain so, said the head of state.

Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan
"I am asking the Cabinet, the Presidential administration, and the Nur Otan party to elaborate a tangible action plan how to promote women up to the level of taking decisions."