NEWS

3 March 2006

WOMEN ARE HALF OF THE SKY

"When I observe political and economic life in Kyrgyzstan, I see that women here do not yet take the place they deserve," said Franz Eichinger, the Ambassador of Germany to Kyrgyzstan, at a festivity foreshadowing the International Women's Day (March 8). High-ranking officials and diplomats spent the evening recalling their mothers and honoring Kyrgyzstani women.

The idea of an International Women's Day first arose at the turn of the 20th century, a period of turbulence and radical ideologies in the industrialized world. Now it is a global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women. First observed in 1909 in the United States, it is especially popular in the former Soviet republics.

The Bishkek festivity, entitled "Apam jana men" (Mother and I), was organized February 24 by the Congress of Women of Kyrgyzstan and the State Broadcasting Company. "We say in China that women are half of the sky," said at the opening ceremony Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Zhang Yannian. "This proverb sums up women's mission." Charge d'Affaires of Japan in Kyrgyzstan, Tasuhiko Kasai, spoke in Kyrgyz. "You are to build the future of Kyrgyzstan," he said to those gathered. "And you, women, play an important role in this."

Both representatives of China and Japan underscored the intention of their countries to collaborate with the Central Asia republic. Vice mayor of Bishkek, Bolot Hudayberdiyev, said 60 percent of the capital's achievements can be attributed to women. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Alikbek Jekshenkulov, began his speech with the recollection of his mother. Marat Mambetov, chief of healthcare in Bishkek, warmly spoke about Kyrgyzstani doctors (as most of them are women) and nurses. Tone Korssund-Eichinger, leader of the International Women's Club-Bishkek, wished determination, luck and happiness to the women of Kyrgyzstan.

The official part was followed by a concert, featuring Kyrgyz pop-stars and a group of toddlers signing songs for their mothers.

By E. Chadova

Source: The Times of Central Asia