Women leadership and effective communication focus of OSCE training course in Tashkent

The OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan delivered a training course on women leadership and effective communication strategies in Tashkent on 8-10 November.

Twenty-seven mid- and senior-level women officers from Uzbekistan’s border security and management agencies sought to advance their careers through developing leadership skills and networking. The training provided tools to communicate with confidence, care, and honesty. Participants engaged in exercises outlining that the unique value they bring to their workplace can be source of self-confidence. They also discussed establishing Customs and Border Services Women Association in Uzbekistan, inspired by successful examples of similar activities in other OSCE participating States, such as neighboring Kyrgyzstan.

“The role of women in the law enforcement sector cannot be overestimated. The establishment of the law enforcement and rule of law sector women's associations in Kyrgyzstan in 2017 proved to be instrumental not only in enlarging female officers’ network but also in strengthening their capacities and confidence. This is why a similar initiative would be helpful in Uzbekistan, too,” said Colonel Kaana Aidarkul, Chairperson of the Kyrgyz association of women in the security sector.

“Every turning point in our lives should be used for self-discovery and discovering our talents. Set and achieve your goals! The path to success really exists,” added Umida Pirmukhamedova, Chief Inspector of the Risk Targeting and Monitoring Department and a focal point on gender issues of the Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The event was implemented in the framework of the OSCE project “Strengthening the resilience of Uzbekistan to address cross-border challenges emanating from Afghanistan”, funded by Germany, Sweden, and the United States. It anticipates delivery of a series of thematic training courses. A gender mainstreaming perspective is integrated in all activities envisaged under the project. A number of follow-up events are envisaged in 2024-2025.