President, foreign diplomats plant trees in Bishkek park in support of increased participation of women in local elections

AKIPRESS.COM - President Sadyr Japarov participated in planting of trees in the Yntymak Park in support of increased participation of women in the local elections together with the foreign diplomats.
Japarov noted the importance of the event, which symbolizes the equal opportunities of citizens to participate in the political life of the country. Introduction of 30% quota will lead to an increase in the number of women in local councils ensuring gender equality in local decision-making process. Japarov said that support for women at all levels of government is key to successful development of the country. He expressed his readiness to support women's desire to take care not only of their families but also of the well-being of their regions, adding that they can indeed contribute to the socio-economic prosperity of regions.
Historically Kyrgyz people has always treated women and their rights with respect, as evidenced by the examples of Kurmanjan Datka and Kyz Saikal, who even led troops on an equal footing with men, Japarov recollects. The head of state expressed hope that the saplings planted today will grow rapidly along with the rapid development of the country's regions.
Nurjan Shaildabekova, Chairman of the Central Commission on Elections and Referendums, and Natalia Gherman, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia, participated in the event.
Japarov also thanked international partners, such as the UN, OSCE, the governments of Germany, Korea, Russia, USA, Turkey, Switzerland, Japan and others for supporting Kyrgyzstan's efforts to make the electoral process more inclusive.
Amendments to the law of the Kyrgyz Republic on elections of members to local councils guarantee 30% seats for women in local councils.
Elections to local councils will be held on April 11. 2,943 out of 7,560 seats will be allocated to women.