OSCE Blog: Security Matters

Organized crime is one of the most serious security threats the OSCE region faces today. To effectively prevent and fight it, it is crucial to understand who is involved and what they do. Yet our view of organized crime is hampered by stereotypes that assign specific gender roles to those involved. We put men in the central roles as leaders, enforcers and foot soldiers, and portray women as victims or as subject to the whims of men. It is true that organized crime exploits, and impacts, women disproportionately. However, focusing solely on women’s victimization obscures a more complex reality, which includes women playing important roles across organized crime groups.

Cryptocurrencies and virtual assets are paving the way for a new era in money and asset handling, but like any innovation, they carry with them vulnerabilities and risks. Striking the right balance between unfettered innovation and regulation is one way the OSCE is helping participating States to build a more secure future.