NEWS

17 March 2006

THIRTY PERCENT OF PUBLIC JOBS - FOR WOMEN

Gender equality strategy was the discussion topic at a recent session of the National Committee for Family Affairs and Gender Policy. A document describing all aspects of the strategy and meant for a ten-year term was signed by President Nazarbayev last November.

At present, the number of women working in the government amounts to 27%, and in the parliament, 10%. These indices exceed those of other CIS states, but the Committee considers them insufficient. Formerly, there were seven female deputy akims in the republic; now this figure has dropped to four. Fifty-eight percent of all state employees are women, but they occupy low-paid positions only. In this regard, the Committee suggested that the next year's budget should take into consideration the principle of equality between the sexes. The Committee is striving for women's 30 percent-strong participation at the highest levels.

Source: The Times of Central Asia