OSCE helps to promote women’s participation in decision making in security sector governance in Kyrgyzstan

An international conference entitled "The Role of Women from the Sectors of Security, Law and Order in the Sustainable Development of Regions" was organized by the Kyrgyz Association of Women in the Security Sector in co-operation with the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek on 30 March 2018 in Bishkek.

The Association of Women in the Security Sector represents women who serve in the state’s security, law and order sectors and seeks to contribute to the common cause of strengthening peace and order across the country.

The conference served as a platform for discussing at a high governmental level how to further expand opportunities for women's participation in sustainable development and security in the regions.  It brought together government officials, civil society activists and journalists, as well as members of the Association. Government representatives from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan also participated. 

Special attention was paid to sharing the best practices on how women in the security sector can develop strategies to improve access to justice when dealing with cases relating to violence against women and children, abandoned children, and various difficulties that women labour migrants from Central Asia face.

The Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, Pierre von Arx, said: "I would like to express my gratitude to all women in the security sector of Kyrgyzstan who risk their lives to ensure public order and the welfare of the country, while at the same time raising children, supporting the family and thus making an invaluable contribution to the country's future."