Bishkek, March 5, 2026 /Kabar/. Current issues faced by women in Kyrgyzstan were discussed in Bishkek, as part of the global annual initiative Ring the Bell for Gender Equality.
The event, organized by the Kyrgyz Stock Exchange jointly with UN Women, brought together representatives of the public sector, the judiciary, the financial market, and the international community.
In 2026, the key focus of the discussion was women's access to justice as the foundation of the country's economic well-being. In addition, the panelists openly addressed issues of economic, social, and psychological violence, difficulties in collecting alimony, and wage discrimination. Experts emphasized that while women are forced to expend resources fighting for basic rights and surviving after a divorce, they cannot fully realize their potential in their careers. Creating conditions where women are protected from violence and receive equal pay with men was cited as key to Kyrgyzstan's economic prosperity.
Furthermore, participants examined the phenomenon of the "second shift"—a situation in which a woman, having worked full-time alongside a man, is forced to shoulder the bulk of unpaid housework and childcare. As the speakers noted, this invisible burden becomes a serious obstacle to women's professional growth, quality rest, and self-fulfillment in the face of a lack of time and resources.
Representatives of the Akyikatchy (Ombudsman) office, Senti Financial Corporation, Eldik Bank, Guarantee Fund, Entrepreneurship Development Fund, and ESG CA participated in the panel discussion.
The event was held under the slogan "Rights. Justice. Action. For all women and girls."
The event concluded with a ceremonial gong ringing and the official signing of commitments on women's empowerment principles between UN Women Kyrgyzstan Chairperson Said Sadik and Eldik Bank Chairman of the Board Aichurek Zhakypova.