OSCE organizes induction training on establishing mentor networks for women in Belarus

The OSCE Gender Section delivered a two-day training course on advancing gender equality through the establishment of mentor networks for women in Minsk.

Mentor networks are set up on the principle of women helping women and can be an effective tool to address barriers that hamper women’s full participation in public life.  

The training brought together 12 organizations from across Belarus and representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The participants discussed how establishing the mentor networks can empower women and enhance their economic independence.

They also received individual support from an expert in setting up such networks to develop their ideas for women’s empowerment projects in Belarus. Part of the discussion focused on the main indicators of a successful mentor network project. As a result of the training, several organizations developed a concept for a mentor network project for their target groups, including for women entrepreneurs, unemployed women, single mothers and survivors of gender-based violence.

The event was organized in co-operation with the Danish Centre for Gender, Equality and Diversity (KVINFO) and made possible through the support of Germany and the United Kingdom.