OSCE organizes annual conference for members of Gender Equality Platform in Border Security

The importance of a gender-inclusive approach to border security was the focus of a two-day annual conference of the OSCE Gender Equality Platform in Border Security and Management, concluded on 30 November 2022 in Podgorica, Montenegro.

The annual conference, organized by the Border Security and Management Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, with the support of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, brought together 35 representatives from border agencies of 19 OSCE participating States.

“Women are just as good and capable police officers as their male colleagues. Girls and women are an important segment of the security system, not only in Montenegro, but in every organized and democratic society. I thank you for the invitation and the opportunity to talk with you about the topic that concerns the future of our society. Rest assured that the Ministry of Interior remains a reliable partner ready to make a full contribution to the further affirmation of gender equality in the security sector,” said Filip Adžić, Minister of Interior of Montenegro, opening the event.

During the interactive event, the platform members received training on how to integrate a gender perspective into their daily work, with the aim to increase the efficiency of border and customs agencies. Participants also took part in exercises and analysed, together with an international expert on Women, Peace and Security, the nexus between gendered biases and stereotypes and the identification of cross-border crimes.   

Together with the Spanish National Police, they discussed possible ways to prevent and combat sexual harassment in the workplace and were equipped with tools and knowledge on how to recognize and prevent such behaviours. Together with a former FBI agent, the members of the OSCE Gender Equality Platform highlighted the importance of leadership engagement and the need to create appropriate gender-inclusive conditions for men and women working in the security sector.  

The OSCE Gender Equality Platform in Border Security and Management consists of mid- and high-level representatives of border and customs services and was established in 2016. It aims to support the border agencies of OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation in their efforts to promote gender equality in border security and management.