Gender Issues Programme
The OSCE recognizes that equal rights for women and men, and the protection of their human rights, are vital for peace, democracy, and development — and therefore for lasting security and stability. Gender equality is actively promoted across all OSCE activities and within the Organization itself.
Quick links
Overview
Gender equality at the OSCE
Promoting gender equality is a cornerstone of the OSCE’s work. We strive to ensure that everyone—women and men alike—can participate fully in society: at home, in public life, in politics and the military, in the economy, in environmental issues, and in all areas of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Gender equality is not an add-on but an integral part of all OSCE activities and structures.
Supporting the OSCE participating States
Because gender equality and security are inseparably linked, the OSCE’s Programme for Gender Issues, in the Office of the Secretary General, helps participating States uphold their commitments in the politico-military, economic and environmental, and human dimensions. This includes promoting women’s full and equal participation in peace and security governance, addressing the disproportionate violence women face both in and out of conflict, and encouraging women’s economic empowerment and independence.
Women, peace and security
Women, peace and security
The OSCE supports the international efforts to fully engage women in conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation.
Combating gender-based violence
Combating gender-based violence
The OSCE works to prevent and combat violence against women, improve their protection, and provide services for survivors of violence.
Gender equality in economic and environmental activities
Gender equality in economic and environmental activities
Supporting women in economic and environmental matters
Leading the way
In 2004, the OSCE has adopted its Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality, strengthening its committment to advancing gender equality across its structures, activities and programmes. The team working for the OSCE Secretariat’s Gender Issues Programme provides guidance and expertise to ensure a gender-sensitive approach in all areas of work, while fostering an inclusive and non-discriminatory workplace.
Projects
Related projects funded through voluntary contributions
News and activities
Current announcements, press releases, media advisories and other updates
Leadership
The Senior Adviser on Gender Issues
Resources
Official OSCE documents, publications and other manually selected resources
Annual progress reports
Reports evaluating progress on gender mainstreaming in OSCE structures and the working environment
Annual report
2024 Annual Progress Report On the implementation of the OSCE 2004 Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality
This 2024 Annual Progress Report highlights OSCE’s progress on the Implementation of the 2004 OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality and key successes achieved in advancing equality and the empowerment of women. The report explores OSCE’s work in this area as well as the support the OSCE executive structures provide to participating States in promoting gender equality.
Report
2023 Annual Progress Report On the implementation of the OSCE 2004 Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality
This 2023 Annual Progress Report highlights OSCE’s progress on the Implementation of the 2004 OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality and key successes achieved in advancing equality and the empowerment of women. The report explores OSCE’s work in this area as well as the support the OSCE executive structures provide to participating States in promoting gender equality.
Report
2022 Annual Progress Report: On the implementation of the OSCE 2004 Action Plan on the Promotion of Gender Equality
This 2022 Annual Progress Report highlights OSCE’s progress on the Implementation of the 2004 OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality and key successes achieved in advancing equality and the empowerment of women. The report explores OSCE’s work in this area as well as the support the OSCE executive structures provide to participating States in promoting gender equality.
Annual report
Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the OSCE 2004 Action Plan on the Promotion of Gender Equality – 2021
The Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the 2004 OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality highlights the main achievements of the Organization regarding gender parity, capacity of staff, organizational culture and overall gender mainstreaming improvements within the organization. The report includes information about the support the OSCE executive structures provide to participating States in promoting gender equality.