Bishkek, July 22, 2026. /Kabar/. Amendments have been made to the Law "on State guarantees of equal rights and equal opportunities for men and women". This document, signed by President Sadyr Zhaparov, contains significant norms aimed at strengthening gender equality, preventing domestic violence, and enhancing safety in the labor sphere. The corresponding draft law was adopted by Jogorku Kenesh on June 4, 2026.
According to the law, the concepts of "gender-based violence", "sexual harassment", "violence in the workplace" and "employees with family responsibilities" have been clarified. The right to freedom from violence and harassment in the workplace has been officially recognized.
Quotas in the civil service and new requirements
In the personnel composition of state and municipal bodies, employees of the same sex should not exceed 70 percent.
If two candidates with equal conditions (a man and a woman) pass the competition, the candidate of the less represented sex in that body must be accepted for the vacant position.
An employee who has not been promoted or sent for training within three years may request a written explanation from the management.
Restrictions for employers
It is prohibited to introduce unreasonable gender restrictions in job advertisements (for example, stating that they are only for men or women).
Applicants are not allowed to ask about information that is not relevant to their professional qualifications, including personal life, whether they have children, plans to have children, or responsibilities for caring for family members.
The employer must organize the workplace of employees with family responsibilities in a way that takes into account their interests. Family responsibilities cannot be a reason for terminating the employment relationship on their own.
The law will enter into force 10 days after its official publication.