On September 12, 2024, during the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Forum of Central Asian States, Aina Musralimova, a member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, delivered a speech on the topic “The Role of Women Parliamentarians in the Socio-Economic Development of the Region.” The forum, held in Uzbekistan, brought together parliamentarians from the region to discuss critical issues related to the development of Central Asia.
Musralimova expressed her gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Chairwoman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, Tanzila Narbayeva, for organizing the forum. In her address, she emphasized that the role of women in parliament is not only crucial for ensuring fair representation but also for bringing diverse ideas and solutions to the socio-economic agenda of the region.
Currently, the Parliament of Kazakhstan includes 29 women deputies, which constitutes 22% of the Senate and 18% of the Mazhilis. Musralimova noted that women parliamentarians actively participate in the drafting and discussion of legislative initiatives. In the 8th session, 179 draft laws were reviewed, of which 102 were adopted, including important laws in the areas of science, public oversight, combating human trafficking, and social protection.
One of the significant achievements was the adoption of the “National Fund – for Children” project, under which 50% of the National Fund’s annual investment income will be allocated to special savings accounts for children until they reach 18 years of age. Among other key initiatives are the increase in the minimum wage, strengthening the protection of workers in hazardous conditions, and introducing measures to ensure children’s safety.
In her speech, Aina Musralimova underscored the importance of gender equality and the need for women’s engagement in political and social processes. Kazakhstan actively supports women in entrepreneurship: as of today, 45% of small and medium-sized businesses are run by women. Additionally, women make a significant contribution to the development of education, healthcare, and environmental policies.
In the context of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Kazakhstan strives to improve its position in gender development and has already risen by 12 points in the global ranking. One of the key challenges remains reducing the gender pay gap and creating conditions for the productive employment of women, especially in rural areas and technical fields.
This forum marked a significant step towards the future development of Central Asia and further strengthening the role of women in addressing regional and global challenges.
Musralimova expressed her gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Chairwoman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, Tanzila Narbayeva, for organizing the forum. In her address, she emphasized that the role of women in parliament is not only crucial for ensuring fair representation but also for bringing diverse ideas and solutions to the socio-economic agenda of the region.
Currently, the Parliament of Kazakhstan includes 29 women deputies, which constitutes 22% of the Senate and 18% of the Mazhilis. Musralimova noted that women parliamentarians actively participate in the drafting and discussion of legislative initiatives. In the 8th session, 179 draft laws were reviewed, of which 102 were adopted, including important laws in the areas of science, public oversight, combating human trafficking, and social protection.
One of the significant achievements was the adoption of the “National Fund – for Children” project, under which 50% of the National Fund’s annual investment income will be allocated to special savings accounts for children until they reach 18 years of age. Among other key initiatives are the increase in the minimum wage, strengthening the protection of workers in hazardous conditions, and introducing measures to ensure children’s safety.
In her speech, Aina Musralimova underscored the importance of gender equality and the need for women’s engagement in political and social processes. Kazakhstan actively supports women in entrepreneurship: as of today, 45% of small and medium-sized businesses are run by women. Additionally, women make a significant contribution to the development of education, healthcare, and environmental policies.
In the context of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Kazakhstan strives to improve its position in gender development and has already risen by 12 points in the global ranking. One of the key challenges remains reducing the gender pay gap and creating conditions for the productive employment of women, especially in rural areas and technical fields.
This forum marked a significant step towards the future development of Central Asia and further strengthening the role of women in addressing regional and global challenges.