News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
Special session of OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation marks 18th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, peace and security
Publishing date: 31 October 2018
VIENNA, 31 October 2018 – A special session of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation, held under the Forum’s Swedish Chair, today marked the 18th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security – a landmark document, speakers said, which stresses the importance of full and equal participation of women and men in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security...
Women leaders at Minsk forum: All we are asking for is equality – is that too much?
Publishing date: 25 October 2018
One hundred women leaders gathered to explore challenges and ways forward towards women’s empowerment and leadership at the second International Forum of Women Leaders in Minsk on 25 and 26 October 2018. The event to help advance gender equality in the OSCE region was co-organized by the OSCE
New ODIHR study highlights recommendations for increasing effectiveness of regional gender equality mechanisms in Ukraine
Publishing date: 12 October 2018
A presentation of a new report commissioned by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) that examines the effectiveness of gender equality mechanisms at the regional level in Ukraine, was hosted by the Equal Opportunities Caucus of Ukraine’s parliament on 12 October 2018 in Kyiv.
Promoting the participation of under-represented groups vital in truly democratic societies, says OSCE/ODIHR Director ahead of International Day of Democracy
Publishing date: 14 September 2018
WARSAW, 13 September 2018 – More must be done to promote the participation of under-represented groups in political decision making if we are to ensure effective, truly democratic governance and societies, Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), said today, ahead of tomorrow’s International Day of Democracy.
Countering violence against women requires raising awareness of its multiple forms, stepping up comprehensive responses, say OSCE meeting participants
Publishing date: 2 July 2018
VIENNA, 2 July 2018 – Strengthening law-enforcement and judicial responses to violence against women, raising awareness about its multiple and invisible forms and empowering victims are crucial elements of any effective strategy to prevent such violence, participants said today at the opening of a two-day OSCE conference in Vienna...
Empowering women for stronger participation in public and political life key to democratic society, say participants in ODIHR-supported Congress of Women in Lodz
Publishing date: 18 June 2018
The importance of full participation of women in public and political life, and of co-operation between women’s parliamentary bodies and civil society, particularly organizations promoting women’s rights, was highlighted during the 10th National Congress of Women, which took place in Lodz, Poland,
Enhancing women’s participation in the armed forces focus of annual OSCE discussion on the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security
Publishing date: 13 June 2018
VIENNA, 13 June 2018 – Ways to enhance women’s participation in the armed forces were a key area of focus at this year’s Annual Discussion on the Implementation of the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security, held today in Vienna. Representatives of the OSCE participating States shared their experiences on implementing the Code, a unique and fundamental document which aims to regulate the role of armed forces in democratic societies...