Contribution of Women with Disabilities in Central Asia to the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Conventions Discussed at the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, DKNews.kz reports.
An international conference entitled “Making the SDGs Count for Central Asia Women with Disabilities” was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This event marks the final stage of the project of the Central Asian Network of Women with Disabilities, supported by the “Kynnys” Association (Finland).
The event was organized by the “Shyrak” Association of Women with Disabilities, the Central Asian Network of Women with Disabilities, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, the National Commission on Women’s Affairs and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the “Kynnys” Association, and the OSCE Programme Office in Astana.
During the conference, along with thematic analyses and recommendations for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the context of ensuring the rights of women and girls with disabilities the experience of organizations of women with disabilities in Central Asia was presented.
“Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is a universal agenda aimed at the future. However, their implementation is impossible without considering the interests of vulnerable groups. Women and girls with disabilities are millions of citizens worldwide who must have equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and public life. Therefore, it is our common duty to ensure that no one is left behind or excluded from opportunities,” noted Olga Perepechina, Deputy Chairperson of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
“Advancing the principles of inclusion and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals remain key priorities for Kazakhstan. We are convinced that by joining the efforts of states, international organizations, and civil society, it is possible to build an inclusive society in which women and girls with disabilities have equal opportunities for self-realization and active participation in all spheres of life. Kazakhstan stands ready to continue contributing to this common cause, remaining open to cooperation and the exchange of best practices,” resumed Alua Nadirkulova, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.
The conference makes a significant contribution to fulfilling the international commitments of Central Asian countries related to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Supporting this event also demonstrates the OSCE’s contribution to promoting human rights, gender equality, and inclusion, as enshrined in the resolutions of the OSCE Ministerial Council and in the Organization’s strategic documents, such as the Helsinki Final Act and the 2004 OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality.
For 20 years (2005-2025), the Central Asian Network of Women with Disabilities, together with its partners, has been working to advance equality, rights, and opportunities for women with disabilities.
The Network’s achievements include projects on advocacy of the rights of women with disabilities at national and international levels, the realization of reproductive rights by women with disabilities, running Independent Living Schools for girls with disabilities, removing negative stereotypes against women with disabilities, protection from violence, and the development of leadership educational programs.
