Scholarship for Peace and Security in the OSCE area
In recognition of continuous underrepresentation of women and youth in the security sector, the OSCE, together with other international organizations active in the field of security, hosts an annual educational course on conflict prevention and resolution for young professionals from all across the OSCE participating States and its Partners for Co-operation.
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About the programme
Stepping up for Peace and Security
In co-operation with other international organizations, online and in-person training activities seek to improve the knowledge and comprehension of politico-military aspects of security among young professionals, especially women. The programme covers a wide range of topics, such as the conflict cycle, confidence- and security-building, arms control, disarmament and the non-proliferation of conventional weapons, including combatting trafficking in small arms and light weapons and stockpiles of conventional ammunition. The OSCE Scholarship for Peace and Security emphasizes individual negotiations and leadership skills development.
I see there is such an immense need for female engagement in approaching issues such as arms control and disarmament. This programme intensified my belief that there is space for women to be the agents of change.
The programme aims at providing general knowledge about conflict prevention and resolution through arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. It contributes to creating equal opportunities for young professionals by strengthening young women’s participation and leadership in policy-making, planning and implementation processes and by highlighting the role of gender and diversity perspectives in international peace and security.
I believe that the knowledge and perspectives I gained will significantly support my professional path in peacebuilding, disarmament, and security policy. My main takeaway message is that co-operation, transparency, and human security remain at the heart of meaningful peace efforts—and each of us carries a responsibility to advance them.
Since 2018, the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre empowers youth from across the OSCE region to make a meaningful contribution to the security sector, in particular the politico-military dimension. Over 920 graduates (86 per cent women) have successfully completed the training programme so far. Many of them stay engaged in the security sector and continue to build a supportive network of alumnae.
Previous scholarships
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Breaking Barriers: Empowering Young Women in Politico-Military Security through the OSCE Scholarship Programme

Stepping up for Peace and Security: young women as agents of change
Resources
Official OSCE documents, publications and other manually selected resources




