In January 2025, Kyrgyzstan officially abolished the list of jobs prohibited for women, with restrictions now only applying to pregnant and breastfeeding women, Kloop reports on March 7th.
The list previously included more than 400 professions deemed hazardous to women’s reproductive health. For instance, women were barred from working as asphalt pavers, diggers or drillers solely because of their gender.
Kyrgyzstan was the last country in Central Asia to address the issue of restricted professions for women. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan abolished similar lists years ago, while Tajikistan has reduced its list by half.
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For years, activists and human rights organizations have criticized the list as discriminatory and campaigned for its removal. Their arguments centered on three main points:
Economic Equality: Many of the banned jobs are in the mining industry and offer high wages. The restrictions not only limited women’s career choices but also their ability to earn more.
Freedom of Choice: Women, like men, should have the right to decide whether to take health risks. Additionally, technological advancements have made many previously hazardous jobs safer.
Legal Inconsistency: The list contradicted Kyrgyzstan’s Constitution and international agreements, which guarantee equal rights and opportunities for men and women.
As of 2025, every Kyrgyz woman has the right to choose her profession freely, marking a significant step toward gender equality in the workplace.
Kloop and agencies
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