OSCE organizes webinar on the role of men in promoting gender equality in border and law enforcement agencies

Members of the OSCE Gender Equality Platform in Border Security and Management and representatives of border agencies from the OSCE region and beyond discussed the importance of an inclusive approach to gender equality at an OSCE webinar. The event was organized by the Border Security and Management Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department on 27 July 2021.

The webinar brought together 100 representatives from border and customs agencies of 16 OSCE participating States and Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation. They discussed the crucial role men play as partners in promoting gender equality. Speakers highlighted the importance of leadership’s engagement and the need to create appropriate gender-inclusive conditions for men and women to work in law enforcement.

Recognizing the crucial need for engaging men in gender mainstreaming efforts in border services and the security sector overall, the Border Security and Management Unit provided participants with tools on how to do so more effectively.

“Gender equality means equal opportunities for men and women, without any limitations. It is not a women’s issue only,” said Dennis Cosgrove, Head of OSCE’s Border Security and Management Unit, in his opening remarks.

“Integrating a gender perspective into my work means having more competent colleagues on board to deliver better results.  Border agencies must mirror the entire society,” said Ghenadie Astrahan, Head of International Co-operation Division, the Border Police of Republic of Moldova. 

International expert and retired Belgian Major Stefan Steyaert explained what men and women will gain when working jointly towards gender equality. He also emphasized the importance of men acknowledge the privileges they have been born into as a result of patriarchy, as the first step in standing up for gender equality.