Kyrgyzstan backs Turkish-proposed OTS council on family and women

Kyrgyzstan has backed Turkey's initiative to set up a council on family and women's issues within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Labour, Social Protection and Migration Minister Almaz Imangaziev made the announcement at a meeting of relevant ministers held on 30 October in Ankara, on the sidelines of the 13th OTS summit. Participants discussed strengthening the family institution, protecting children, expanding opportunities for women, and deepening cooperation among member states in social policy.

Imangaziev said that supporting motherhood and fatherhood, raising family welfare and creating favourable conditions for raising children remain priorities of Kyrgyzstan's state policy. He noted that a State Programme to support women's leadership until 2030 is being implemented. According to figures he cited, after reforms to electoral legislation, the share of women in the Jogorku Kenesh rose to 33%, up from 22% in the previous convocation.

Among common challenges for Turkic states, the minister listed demographic change, the need to support young families, prevention of violence against women and children, and countering cyberviolence. He stressed the importance of keeping children safe in the digital environment. During a working visit to Turkey, Imangaziev also visited the Saray Engelsiz Yasham care, rehabilitation and family support centre. The initiative to create the council was put forward by the Turkish side.