A group of Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary deputies has proposed an amendment to the Law on Protection of Entrepreneurs’ Rights, which would add the phrase “women’s entrepreneurship.” The amendment notes that while women make up half of Kyrgyzstan’s population, they contribute much less to the economy. Citing IMF data, the amendment’s authors say that women’s entrepreneurship can contribute up to 27% to the country’s GDP.
“Experience shows that income levels of SMEs do not exceed the officially established minimum living standard and unfortunately do not leave additional funds for further business development. Data also shows that women entrepreneurs, who have easier access to assets and independent decision-making, can contribute to poverty reduction,” the bill states. state.
Representatives of the women’s forum “Kulak,” which helped draft the amendments, proposed introducing the term “female entrepreneur” into the law and defining it as a legal entity in which women own at least 51 percent of the shares, which they believe will allow women to receive preferential loans and state support.
“Female entrepreneurs often need more time to run their businesses. After all, they have to balance childcare and household chores. It is also difficult for women to get loans from banks because the property used as collateral belongs to the man. There is also a lack of moral support from our patriarchal society and the state,” said human rights activist Ainura Salimbayeva. Central Asia TimesSalimbayeva believes that the introduction of the word “woman” and the term “female entrepreneurship” into the law will help further develop women’s businesses, adding that commercial banks and international development agencies are already ready to provide preferential loans.
“Currently, there is no country in Central Asia where the concept of ‘women’s entrepreneurship’ has been enshrined in law. The legislation being promoted in Kyrgyzstan is almost identical to the legislation in Azerbaijan. The country’s authorities are supporting female entrepreneurs at the national level,” Salimbayeva said.
According to the latest census, there are 3.3 million women in Kyrgyzstan – half the country’s population. But despite the availability of various training and courses, only a small proportion of Kyrgyz women participate in the economy, a situation that rights activists blame on patchy government support.
The average age of Kyrgyz businesswomen is between 40 and 50 years old, they have a secondary education, are self-employed or run small and medium-sized businesses, and have families and children.
