OSCE Centre in Astana presents video on gender equality at women's forum

ASTANA, 5 March 2009 - A video on promoting equal rights and opportunities for women and men in Kazakhstan was presented with the support of the OSCE Centre in Astana at a Women's Forum today. The forum marks the tenth anniversary of the National Commission on Women and Family-Demographic Policy under the President of Kazakhstan.

The event brought together high-level state representatives, including the President of Kazakhstan, non-governmental organizations and the business community to take stock of the progress of women in the country and outline the way forward.

"One of the underlying principles of the OSCE is to ensure security through respect and promotion of human rights, including women's rights and gender equality," said Ambassador Keltchewsky, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana. "In this respect, the participation of women at a high level in the political and private sectors contributes to a country's democratic and economic progress."

The video, produced by the Astana-based station Era TV, aims to show women engaged in the public, political, private and social sectors in Kazakhstan, both at the national and rural level. It aims to shatter stereotypes about the role of women in society, show their contribution to the democratic, social and economic development of the country and highlight the gender gaps that remain to be bridged to achieve equality.

The video will be broadcast by major television channels nationwide and in the regions. It was supported as a part of the OSCE Centre's multi-year programme on promoting equal rights and opportunities for women and men.