The Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan participated in the first meeting of the Dialogue of women leaders of Central Asian states

On 21 April 2026, the Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D.Gulmanova, participated via videoconference in the first meeting of the Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asian States.

This event, which has added to the list of significant activities held in the year “Independent, permanently neutral Turkmenistan – homeland of purposeful heavenly horses,” was aimed at identifying constructive solutions to pressing contemporary issues through cooperation among women leaders of Central Asian countries.

The first meeting of the Dialogue, held under the theme “Women of Central Asia: Priority Tasks and Joint Actions,” was chaired by the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The forum, dedicated to the role of women leaders in society, brought together the Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), women leaders of the parliaments of Central Asian countries and the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as the Head of the Regional Office of UN Women for Central Asia.

During the online meeting, participants exchanged views on the activities planned within the framework of Uzbekistan’s chairmanship of the Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asian States in 2026. Particular attention was paid to ensuring gender equality in the region, promoting women’s participation in public administration and the economy, and consolidating efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan emphasized that, owing to the efforts of the Heads of State of the region, the Dialogue of Women has become a permanent platform for organizing activities aimed at strengthening cooperation.

It was also highlighted that the National Action Plan on Gender Equality being implemented in Turkmenistan fully aligns with the priorities of the Dialogue and plays an important role in strengthening the legal status of women in public administration and the national economy, as well as in improving the legislative framework and advancing international cooperation in this field.

Special note was made of the comprehensive efforts undertaken in Turkmenistan to protect the rights and legitimate interests of women, safeguard motherhood and childhood, and support the family institution. It was underlined that these efforts are highly appreciated by the international community.

Participants further emphasized that the Dialogue of Women has proven to be an effective platform for implementing concrete initiatives and projects. In particular, attention was drawn to improving national legislation to expand women’s socio-economic opportunities, ensuring women’s access to modern technologies, fostering the exchange of experience among women in the region through digital solutions and online platforms, and providing additional opportunities and incentives for women entrepreneurs.

The importance of coordinating the activities of the Dialogue of Women Parliamentarians of Central Asian States with the work of leading international organizations was also highlighted, including the United Nations and its specialized agencies, the European Union, as well as the Inter-Parliamentary Union.