Aigul Zaparova and Saida Mirzieeva opened the forum ‘Women Leaders Changing the World for the Better’

The forum ‘Women Leaders Changing the World for the Better’ kicked off today at the Ala-Archa state residence with the participation of Kyrgyzstan's First Lady Aigul Zaparova and the Head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan Saida Mirziyeva.

The main goal of the forum is to promote women leaders and exchange experiences between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. About 200 women are participating in the event, including leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, cultural figures and social activists.

Speaking at the opening of the forum, First Lady of Kyrgyzstan Aigul Zhaparova emphasised the importance of the meeting between women leaders of the two countries at a time when Kyrgyz-Uzbek relations are strengthening:

‘Today, worthy women leaders of the two countries are meeting at a time when the issue of the Kyrgyz-Uzbek state border has been fully resolved and our peoples, who have lived side by side for centuries, have strengthened their relations as eternal neighbours and friends bound by destiny.’

She recalled the role of women in the history of Central Asia, in particular the Alay Queen Kurmanzhan Datka, and noted that modern women have broken stereotypes by becoming professionals in all spheres, from business and politics to science and sports.

‘Women are capable of turning any problem into an opportunity to build a bright future for humanity,’ said Aigul Zaparova.

In turn, Saida Mirziyeva touched upon the topic of women's rights and the fight against domestic violence, noting that Uzbekistan was the first country in the region to adopt relevant legislation.

Mirziyoyeva said that women make up 38% of the parliament in Uzbekistan and a significant part of the country's economic power. Today, master's degrees are free for women. In the last year alone, 15,000 girls received state grants for education.

"We are not asking for permission to participate in political, economic and social life. We are already at the heart of this process.

I am confident that our countries will contribute greatly to this world and make it even better for future generations," said the head of the Uzbek presidential administration.

The forum will continue in the format of panel discussions and meetings, where participants will discuss leadership, education, entrepreneurship and the role of women in the development of society.