“The Role of Women in Promoting Positive Change at the Local Level”
Окт 25.2024
On October 24, 2024, a webinar was held for women leaders from Osh, Batken, Naryn, Karakol, and other regions, aimed at preparing participants for elections and encouraging their active involvement in the country’s political life. This event continues a series of summer training sessions designed to develop local leadership capacity.
During the webinar, experts discussed the relevance and importance of women's participation in elections and politics. It was emphasized that having women in positions of power directly contributes to improving the quality of life in society. According to the National Statistics Committee, only 3.9% of political and municipal positions in Kyrgyzstan are held by women, making them a minority in politics.
“There is a direct link between a high level of women’s participation in decision-making and the quality of life. When more than 20% of parliament members are women, legislators begin to develop laws that benefit children. When their share approaches 30%, policies and programs that reflect women’s interests emerge. Women in politics foster stronger competition of ideas and improve governance quality,” noted expert Jamila Kaparova.
The benefits of women’s participation in local councils include:
- Introducing new and overlooked issues into the political agenda;
- Strengthening the competition of ideas;
- Enhancing governance through inclusivity and diverse approaches.
Participants shared the challenges faced by women candidates, including limited support from families and communities. Among the webinar attendees were former local council deputies, some of whom are running for office again this year. Unfortunately, not all women who planned to run were able to do so for various reasons. Participants reported that in many regions, women encounter obstacles: some men do not support their wives running for office, the number of women candidates remains insufficient, there is even less representation of ethnic minority women, and young candidates are also underrepresented. Women candidates need comprehensive support from both family and society.
The practical section of the webinar focused on the legal aspects of elections, the development of campaign strategies, and effective voter engagement. Expert Iskender Baynazarov provided recommendations on creating a compelling campaign message and assessing the political environment. He also emphasized the importance of honesty and credibility when engaging with voters.
“Your message should inspire trust and reflect the real priorities of your work,” Baynazarov noted.
