Since IGTN-Central Asia (IGTN-CA) is still in the early phases of developing their research, advocacy, and economic literacy objectives, the following information reflects the developing nature of their work.   

Membership

IGTN-CA is comprised of a technical resource group comprised of:  

• Gulnora Makhmudova - Coordinator (BWA - Uzbekistan)
• Dinara Alimdjanova - Economist/Gender Specialist (Uzbekistan)
• Altinay Karasaeva - Economist/Gender Specialist (Kyrgyzstan)
• Asan Niyazov - Economist (Kyrgyzstan)
• Anjelika Abdurakhmanova - Gender Specialist (Tajikistan)
• Dilshod Nasarov - Economist (Tajikistan)
• Margarita Uskenbaeva - Economist/Gender Specialist (Kazakhstan)
• Gaziza Moldakulova - Economist (Kazakhstan)
  

Research

Through a grant from the Ford Foundation, IGTN-CA is currently working on establishing the Central Asian Network on Gender and Trade.   As part of the project, research will be conducted on the process of economic liberalization and the gender implications of trade liberalization in Central Asia.  Researches from each of the Central Asian countries will conduct the in-country research.  Results will be presented to the local Governments, NGO’s and business community.  

In collaboration with IGTN-Asia, a methodological framework for implementing interregional research is being designed.  A pre-research training workshop was held 31 May-04 June, 2004 in Bishkek Kyrgyzstan. Two researchers each from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan; and one from Tajikstan, attended the workshop.  IGTN-Asia researchers Gigi Francisco and Marina Durano facilitated the workshop.  During the workshop, participants developed the structure of the study and logical methodology of the research, determined research objectives, and designed activities at the national and regional levels in the above mentioned countries.  Participants also presented background papers on the current socio-economic situation in the her country, the results of economic reforms, and existing policies for addressing gender problems. 

To further strengthen Central Asian research, an Uzbekistan researcher participated in the GEM-IWG training,Engendering Macroeconomics, held at Utah University, June 2004.  Her report on the training was shared with the other researchers from the Central Asian region.   

A follow-up, midterm monitoring workshop was conducted in Tashkent in September 2004 for the monitoring and coordination of research activities. 

Advocacy

In the area of advocacy, IGTN-CA is linked to major initiatives in the region. IGTN-Central Asia was involved in the coordination of the seminar-workshops on women and the economy at the Asia Pacific NGO forum on Beijing+10 that was held in Thailand, 1-3 July 2004.

Economic Literacy

At present, no economic literacy materials have been prepared by IGTN-CA.