Only science will help us create vaccines, electric cars and even land a Mars rover on another planet” declares Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers

Jyldyz Bakashova noted that gender discrimination leads to the untapped potential of girls.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Jyldyz Bakashova, took part in the "Girls in Science" round table organized by the "Rosa Otunbayeva Initiatives" International Public Foundation within the "Girls in Science" project of the UN Children's Fund.

Bakashova noted the importance of receiving a quality education.

"Unfortunately, other countries have long been ahead of the Kyrgyz Republic in school education, especially in math and science education. And girls may have lagged behind in these areas, in part because of gender discrimination. This is called the achievement gap, which leads to an untapped potential for girls and can cost the economy millions of soms each year. That is why it is so important to work, making real changes to improve the chances for all our young people, boys and girls in Kyrgyzstan, to have better careers in science, and not only in Kyrgyzstan but in all of Central Asia and around the world," she said.

Bakashova expressed gratitude to the “Roza Otunbayeva Initiative” International Public Foundation and the United Nations Children's Fund for promoting gender equality in teaching in the country's schools, and for helping introduce gender-sensitive approaches to teaching science.

"You know, when I was a little girl, I grew up in the village of Ak-Bulun in Issyk-Kul region. Back in those early days my father often told me that the world was changing very fast. He hoped that soon, in his lifetime, there would be no male leaders or female leaders, just leaders. Today, standing here and seeing such wonderful initiatives put into action, I can confidently say that the world has, indeed, changed and the time is ripe for real leaders, not only in politics or economics, but first and foremost in science. And the COVID-19 pandemic proved only science can further help solve our most urgent problems, create vaccines so people do not get sick, build electric cars so we do not pollute the environment, develop a sustainable energy system for entire continents, and even land a rover on another planet!" she said.

Jyldyz Bakashova emphasized nothing is more important to children than a good teacher.

"We all know that nothing is more important than a good teacher. Our teachers work very hard in online and offline formats. I am sure teachers all over Kyrgyzstan are not doing it for the pay, because teachers, unfortunately, are still not being paid as much as they deserve. They don't do it for the glory. They do it because they love children, believe in them and want to help our children, our girls, succeed in the 21st century. Many kudos to our teachers! Education and gender equality are an integral part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," she said.

In her speech, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers noted that according to the National Statistical Committee, up to 86% of students studying social sciences and humanities are women, which indicates the presence of gender stereotypes in education.

"I believe this project will help Kyrgyz girls discover their true potential in all spheres of life and be prepared to take advantage of the opportunities in the fast-growing information and communication technology and exact sciences sectors of the economy. I believe that if we all work hard, if we have more such initiatives, more gender-sensitive educators, and if we eliminate barriers to all-round development for all children-then everyone will contribute to the development of science, society and the economy of our country. And with that no doubt we will build a country where everyone will have a chance to realize their potential!" - concluded Jyldyz Bakashova.

Press Service of the Cabinet of Ministers