OSCE Centre sponsors music contest to promote gender equality and security in Tajikistan
DUSHANBE, 30 April 2008 - The annual "Surudi Sol" (song of the year) concert, in part sponsored by OSCE Centre in Dushanbe, will be held today in the Tajik capital.
An award ceremony celebrating the best singers, selected by listeners, including Safarov Jumakhon and Jafar Jalol, was held yesterday. The OSCE Centre contributed to the contest as part of efforts to promote gender equality and security in the country.
"We chose two songs - one addressing gender and the other patriotism, which I think promotes security in Tajikistan," said Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, the Head of the OSCE Centre. "I think that these are some of the most important spheres in which society should be actively involved. This message should be conveyed to people through every possible channel, including cultural events."
The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture and the TV Channel Safina, and supported by President Emomali Rakhmon.
The mandate of the OSCE Centre in Dushanbe includes assisting the Government of Tajikistan in promoting gender equality and security in the country.