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Home Resources Young Women 4 Peace: A new generation of peacebuilders in Central Asia
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Young Women 4 Peace: A new generation of peacebuilders in Central Asia

The Young Women for Peace (YW4P) Initiative, funded by the European Union and part of the OSCE Gender Issues Programme’s flagship WIN for Women and Men – strengthening comprehensive security through innovating and networking for gender equality, aims to advance the meaningful participation of young women in peacebuilding and security across Central Asia. Launched in 2023, the first edition supports 18 emerging leaders from all five Central Asian states and Afghanistan. Through targeted capacity building, awareness-raising and regional networking, YW4P highlights positive examples of young women leaders advancing peace and gender equality, amplifying their voices and establishing the first-ever regional network for young women working on peace and security in Central Asia. This series shares the powerful personal stories of this edition’s participants, showcasing their diverse contributions to peacebuilding and the transformative impact the YW4P initiative has had on their work and aspirations. Read the young women’s ’stories below and get inspired!
  • Confronting injustice and advocating for human rights: Asel (Kazakhstan), Shohista (Uzbekistan) and Zakia (Afghanistan)
    The OSCE Young Women for Peace Initiative (YW4P), funded by the European Union (EU), empowers a new generation of leaders across Central Asia. Through this Initiative, Asel and Shohista have strengthened their skills, expanded their networks and amplified their impact. Their work tackling sensitive subjects at the community level, driven by personal experiences and a strong commitment to social change, demonstrates the uplifting power of young women’s leadership in the region
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  • Expanding the narrative of comprehensive security: Shahnaz (Afghanistan), Nailya (Kazakhstan) and Laylo (Uzbekistan)
    Shahnaz, Nailya and Laylo are shaping security by integrating gender perspectives into mental health, environmental policy and governance. Through the Young Women for Peace Initiative (YW4P), funded by the European Union (EU), they promote systemic change that recognizes mental wellbeing, environmental sustainability and good governance as keys to achieving lasting and inclusive peace.
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  • Bridging borders with digital vision: Sahobakhon (Tajikistan), Adinai (Kyrgyzstan) and Shasenem (Turkmenistan)
    In today’s interconnected world, young women like Sahobakhon, Adinai and Shasenem are using digital tools and communication to promote peace and build understanding across borders. With support from the Young Women for Peace Initiative (YW4P), launched by OSCE/WIN and funded by the European Union (EU), they are strengthening regional co-operation, amplifying their voices and empowering the next generation of peacebuilders in Central Asia and beyond.
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  • Empowering communities for peace in action: Fatema (Afghanistan), Mavzuna (Tajikistan) and Botagoz (Kazakhstan)
    Fatema, Mavzuna and Botagoz work closely with their communities to challenge stereotypes and promote lasting peace. Through the EU funded Young Women for Peace Initiative (YW4P), launched by OSCE/WIN, they have gained the skills, support and networks needed to turn challenges into opportunities and advance their peacebuilding and security efforts across the region.
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  • Championing environmental and social inclusivity: Mira (Kyrgyzstan), Gulshat (Turkmenistan) and Nigina (Uzbekistan)
    Though their paths began in different corners of Central Asia, Nigina, Mira and Gulshat share a common purpose: to create inclusive, resilient communities where young people, especially young women, are not only heard, but empowered to lead. Through the Young Women for Peace Initiative (YW4P), launched by OSCE/WIN and funded by the European Union (EU), they have turned that belief into collaborative action across borders.
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  • Fostering a sense of collective strength: Salkynai (Kyrgyzstan), Mengli (Turkmenistan) and Parvina (Tajikistan)
    Driven by a shared commitment to uplifting the next generation of women leaders, Salkynai, Mengli and Parvina are building networks that empower individuals and communities. Their efforts demonstrate how supporting even one young woman can create wider change across societies. Through the Young Women for Peace Initiative (YW4P), funded by the European Union (EU), they expanded regional partnerships and fostered a strong sense of solidarity and sisterhood.
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