Mp Ts.tsogzolmaa Speaks About Newly Formed Cabinet and Women's Representation in Parliament

The new ruling party, the Mongolian People's Party (MPP), has set a quota to keep women's inclusion in the cabinet at no less than 25 percent to promote women's representation at decision-making level.

The highest number of women of all time was elected as members of Parliament at the latest parliamentary election, held in late June 2016. In total, 13 women were elected into Parliament, of which, 12 belonged to the Mongolian People's Party and one to the Democratic Party.

MP Ts.Tsogzolmaa was interviewed about the action plan of female parliamentarians and their inclusion in the government's activities.

Former female MPs used to work together under an unofficial parliamentary group. How will new female MPs work this time?

The 2016 parliamentary election ended with favorable results for female MPs compared to previous elections. This time, 13 female candidates were elected. During the election, one political party gained an overwhelming support from the public. In particular, the Mongolian People's Party won 65 seats. Forming such a large group is not good from an ethical perspective.

Newly elected female members agreed to unofficially work as a team on social security issues related to children, women and families. Parliament will soon discuss the MPP's Action Plan and the majority - 60 percent - of the topics included in the government action plan is expected to focus on social security and social welfare policies.

Wages are decreasing and unemployment is increasing at the moment due to economic difficulties in Mongolia. We're facing many challenges because of this. Substantial and accurate measures need to be taken to address them. Above all, the actual situation is the most important thing. It's crucial to determine the current state of economic issues. Female MPs voiced themselves on this matter to newly appointed ministers. Specifically, new statistical data is required for each sector.

We also need to determine the credibility of measuring the current unemployment rate based solely on the number of people registered at the Mongolian Labor Exchange. I mean that people with a certain range of knowledge and financial capability for bus fares would travel to the Mongolian Labor Exchange and register. There are thousands of unemployed people without access to relevant information and those who can't afford the bus fare.

What other challenges are there?

We need to analyze Mongolia's state budget and figure out if it's possible to hand out...