OSCE enhances networking and capacity building among Women Resource Centres and civil society organizations in Central Asia

In collaboration with the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, the OSCE Secretariat Gender Issues Programme organized a two-day regional meeting in Tashkent on 20-21 June 2023. The meeting enhanced networking and capacity building among Women's Resource Centres and civil society organizations in Central Asia, with a focus on combating gender-based violence.

Over 30 representatives from civil society, government, and international organizations, including OSCE field operations, UNFPA, and UN Women, attended the event and shared the progress made in their respective countries.

At the opening of the event, OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, Dr. Lara Scarpitta stressed that: “The elimination of violence against women and girls remains a top priority for the OSCE. Women-led organizations across Central Asia do incredible work to provide services to survivors of gender-based violence and we remain fully committed to continue supporting and strengthening their efforts.’’

During the event, participants highlighted some examples of the networking established through the OSCE’s regional conference and capacity-building training organized last year in Dushanbe. They stressed the importance of maintaining and strengthening the regional network of specialists and enlarging the group to ensure multilateral co-operation in the region.

Moreover, participants had an opportunity to learn about good international practices in supporting survivors and working with perpetrators. Ms. Iris Luarasi, Outgoing President of the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) shared her experience on the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence as well as holistic approaches to combating violence against women and working with perpetrators.

In addition, OSCE WIN Project expert Ms. Malin Palm presented the results of the OSCE and UNFPA conducted mapping of perpetrators programs in Central Asia.

The event is a part of the multi-year WIN project on strengthening comprehensive security through innovating and networking for gender equality, which aims to build capacity and increase participation of women in conflict prevention, mediation, and other processes relevant to comprehensive security.