Natalia Pavlyuchenko, Chair of the Standing Committee on Education, Science, Culture and Social Development of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, spoke at the International Women’s Dialogue ‘The Role of Women in Maintaining Peace and Achieving Sustainable Development’ at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan.

Natalia Pavlyuchenko noted that gender equality and support for motherhood and childhood are priorities of Belarus’s state policy.

According to the speaker, women make up 54 per cent of the country’s population, and their employment rate among those of working age exceeds 85.5 per cent. Belarus has a National Council on Gender Policy under the Government, ensures equal pay, and creates conditions that allow women to balance their professional careers with bringing up children.

Natalia Pavlyuchenko also reported that women hold almost 33 per cent of seats in the National Assembly, 36 per cent of posts in senior government bodies, 48 per cent of seats in local government bodies and 67 per cent of posts in the courts. The proportion of women-led businesses has reached almost 42 per cent.

She emphasised that the protection of the family is enshrined in the Constitution of Belarus. The country also promotes a pro-family agenda on the international stage.

In conclusion, Natalya Pavlyuchenko invited international partners to a family forum, which will take place in Polotsk on 12–13 October in an international format.