CONFERENCE: Kyrgyz Discuss Women's Role in Ethnic Harmony

Source: 
Central Asia Online
Duration: 
Monday, February 14, 2011 - 19:00
Countries: 
Asia
Central Asia
Kyrgyzstan
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Peace Processes
Initiative Type: 
Conferences & Meetings

A February 15-16 conference in Bishkek is considering the role women can play in restoring ethnic harmony.

"The Role of Women in Restoring Trust, Peace and Accord" attracted President Roza Otunbayeva and representatives of government agencies, domestic and foreign NGOs and the mass media.

Conferees intend to formulate a set of recommendations for the government's vision of ethnic development and consolidation.

The June riots showed the vulnerability of women and children in conflict situations, UN women's rights consultant Ainura Temirbekova told Central Asia Online, adding that restoration plans for the south have not fully taken into account women's needs, such as personal safety.

In order to restore trust between ethnic groups, society should choose the "soft line" espoused by female leaders and female Muslims, rather than the "hard line" favoured by politicians and leaders of ethnic minorities, conferees said.