OSCE celebrates anniversary of gender champions' network in Tajikistan
Youth involvement in promotion of gender equality, lessons learnt and experience in supporting the advancement of women and girls in their communities and among families, friends and peers were the focus of a roundtable discussion conducted by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe on 14 November 2018 in Dushanbe.
The event marked the first anniversary of the Tajik gender champions’ network established by the Office. It brought together 45 participants, including 30 women and 15 men representing youth wings of different national political parties and civil society organizations of the Dushanbe, Khatlon and Sughd regions. The network addresses the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions and decision-making processes, education for girls and other relevant matters by raising awareness through peer-to-peer approach, debate clubs and mobile theaters. Within a year of the establishment of the network, the gender champions were able to recruit 15 new members, including ten boys and five girls.
The EU Ambassador to Tajikistan, H.E. Marilyn Josefson, said: "It is impressive to see how much this network of creative and dynamic young gender champions have been able to achieve in one year. Gender equality is a crucial matter to all of us, men and women, boys and girls, old and young, as well as in all parts of the country. It is therefore very encouraging to see how the OSCE, through this network, has been able to mobilize enthusiastic gender champions in all strands and parts of the Tajik society. I'm looking forward to following and supporting their progress towards their next anniversary."
Vesna Ivanovikj-Castarede, the Gender and Anti-Trafficking Officer of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, explained: “These young people were selected at our mobile community training courses. They were handpicked to be further motivated, inspired and supported as gender advocates in order to tackle gender stereotypes in their communities.” She added that in the upcoming months, they will work on different assignments, such as leadership for women, entrepreneurial possibilities for young rural women and domestic violence issues. “We are proud to see their devotion and commitment and the OSCE will further continue working closely with these young people,” Ivanovikj-Castarede said.