CENTRAL COMMISSION FOR HOLDING ELECTIONS AND REFERENDUMS IN TURKMENISTAN
During in the era of Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state, under the wise leadership of our esteemed President, who worthily continues the humanitarian initiatives of Hero Arkadag, wide opportunities are being created for the active participation of women in the political and social activities of our state on an equal conditions.
According to our Constitution, men and women in our country have equal rights and freedoms, as well as equal opportunities to realize them. The Law of Turkmenistan “On State Guarantees for ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women and men” guarantees the rights and freedoms of women and men to realize their civic activism in all spheres of state and public life.
In fact, achieving gender equality – is one of the main indicators of the development of a rule-of-law society, which is characteristic of countries striving to build a civil society based on the principle of equality. The primary goal of this policy – is the elimination of gender discrimination and creation of an equal society. On the one hand – it can only be implemented by economically powerful countries, on the other hand – it is typical for countries that prioritize the development of social aspects.
It is especially gratifying that these two features are characteristic of our country. According to international experts, gender is characterized as an effective tool for understanding the causes of social phenomena occurring in societal development.
Women and girls, who make up half the world’s population, also account for 50% percent of total human capital. Gender equality – is the enjoyment of equal rights, opportunities and responsibilities by men and women.
In our Independent, permanently Neutral Turkmenistan, women have become an indispensable force in strengthening the state. Gender equality promotes equal recognition, equal treatment and equal realization of the constitutional rights and freedoms of women and men, as well as their responsibilities in society as an inalienable norm. The family plays a key role in achieving gender equality, as it is a main natural part of society.
The mother of our Hero Arkadag and grandmother of our esteemed President Ogulabat Eje devoted her meaningful life to raising children, developing and improving the centuries-old craftsmanship of women and girls. This is yet another example of how the national values created by Turkmen women throughout history are developing today and have become an exemplary school for the younger generation. The national treasures created by Turkmen mistress, including Ogulabat Eje, who created a unique model school, now widely known all over the world.
In addition, system of election commissions that organize democratic hold of elections in the country consists of 3,395 commissions with total of about 24,000 members, which more than 42% percent – are women.
According to the State Statistics Committee of Turkmenistan, according to the results of the general population census hold on December 17, 2022, population of our country amounted to 7 million 57 thousand 841 people, which more than 50% percent – were women and this information was communicated to the public through the media.
Of course, fact that gender equality ensured in our country, also evidenced by cooperation on women’s issues within the United Nations and its structural units. As part of its activities, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) assists Turkmenistan in prioritizing gender equality by providing expert and technical support, including through the organization of seminars, trainings and study tours to study international experience in this area to improve national legislation. A case in point is the working meeting held in Ashgabat in September of this year to discuss the draft National Action Plan on Gender Equality for 2026-2030 in Turkmenistan.
Oguljahan Atabayeva Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, also spoke at the Women Leaders Forum at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. Her humanitarian work for the benefit of the country is of great importance. In her speech, Oguljahan Atabayeva noted that women in Turkmenistan work in all sectors, including science, education, culture, private sector, also hold leadership positions.
The Women’s Union of Turkmenistan makes a significant contribution to promoting the successful implementation of reforms, uniting thousands of women and girls who actively participate in large-scale events held in our country. The effectiveness of the positive work carried out in this direction is clearly evidenced by the fact that 31 of the 125 deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan or almost 25% percent of the total number are currently women, furthermore, Chairman of the Mejlis, two Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Authorized Representative for Human Rights – Ombudsman and Executive Secretary of the National Commission for UNESCO – are all women.
We wish Hero Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar, who place the full realization of human rights in our country above all else, good health and success in their great endeavors for the benefit of the people and the country, the state and humanity!
Ayna Saryyeva,
Archivist of apparatus of the Central commission for holding elections and referendums in Turkmenistan.