'Zero Violence Against Women & Girls' Initiative being launched in Kyrgyzstan

• Dialogue focused on key challenges and opportunities to explore collaborative efforts with UN Women
• Upcoming 2025-2027 Zero Violence Against Women and Girls initiative was also rolled out

In a call to action on women’s issues concerning Kyrgyz Republic and UN Women, Asein Isaev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, recently held a meeting with UN Women Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Belen Sanz. Asein, acted in acknowledgement of women’s lasting contributions in shaping Kyrgyzstan’s development and prosperity.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the dialogue delved into identifying the pressing issues and potential areas to strengthen partnerships with UN Women. It is worth a mention that Kyrgyz women have been instrumental to the successful execution of economic and political reforms in the state.

Recognizing the UN Women’s contributions to gender policy, the First Deputy Minister emphasized its alignment with the UN Sustainable Development goals. Asein shared details on the country’s legislation addressing violence against women and girls. The UN Women representative, highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Ministry’s role in advancing the UN Sustainable Development agenda and integrating gender perspective into international policy.

Belen highlighted the implementation of the ‘Zero Violence Against Women and Girls’ initiative set to run from 2025-2027. She also acknowledged the efforts behind the meeting and mentioned that this is her maiden visit to Kyrgyzstan since assuming office in March 2024.