Recognizing women's contribution to budgetary and tax decisions increases economic stability

The Ministry of Labor, with the support of the United Nations Development Program, held an expert discussion on the implementation of national gender programs and the role of women in the country's economic development.

The event was part of systematic efforts to strengthen women's participation in the economy and improve the efficiency of public finances. The dialogue brought together representatives of government agencies and the expert community, allowing for a practical and cross-sectoral examination of gender approaches in budget and tax policy.

Deputy Minister of Labor Ainura Orozbaeva emphasized that gender-responsive budgeting goes beyond the social agenda.

According to her, such approaches are effective economic tools that contribute to sustainable growth, increased well-being of the population, and the achievement of national and global development goals.

Particular emphasis was placed on the link between gender policy and the quality of economic growth. UNDP Permanent Representative Alexandra Solovyova noted that women's participation in the economy directly affects the country's competitiveness.

"Economies become more sustainable and competitive when women's contributions are recognized and taken into account in budgetary and tax decisions. Gender-responsive budgeting allows for more accurate allocation of resources, increases return on investment, and accelerates economic development," she emphasized.

The discussion also presented the results of UNDP's work under the Equanomics initiative, which views fiscal policy as a tool for achieving gender equality and inclusive growth. In 2024, UNDP provided expert support to the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Finance, and the State Tax Service, including in analyzing tax policy in terms of its impact on different population groups.

The results of the studies confirmed the need to adjust certain fiscal decisions to reduce the uneven tax burden and increase the fairness of the system.

It is noted that the National Development Program until 2030 envisages Kyrgyzstan becoming one of the countries demonstrating the greatest progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as improving its position in international rankings of inclusive and sustainable growth.