OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine helps produce TV series on gender issues

KYIV, 24 May 2006 - A series of TV programmes on equal opportunities, produced with the help of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, will air on the country's UT-1 channel beginning 27 May.

The programmes, entitled "Sensitive Topic," were created by the non-governmental organization Women's Consortium and also supported by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

"OSCE support for such an initiative has the strategic goal of drawing public attention to gender-related issues, as well as to problems connected with the strong influence of stereotypes regarding the "traditional" role of women and men in Ukrainian society, family, and private relations," said Marten Ehnberg, Head of the Democratization Section of the Project Co-ordinator's office.

"Breaking down stereotypes could lead to a more balanced release of the vast potential of both women and men in the public and private sector. It could also have a positive impact on the democratic and economic development of Ukraine.

"The programmes are targeted at a diverse audience: from young people who are in the process of shaping their life outlook, to mature and middle-aged people who may find in the programmes advice in dealing with real life issues," he added

The series was produced in the framework of the Co-ordinator's project that focuses on strengthening democratic governance practices in Ukraine. This is the product of a new format that strives to combine informative and entertaining components in an easy to understand manner. It consists of several shows focusing on different gender-related issues, including professional discrimination, domestic labour costs, children and divorces, sexual harassment, the parents' responsibilities.

The programme is part of a public awareness campaign designed by the Project Co-ordinator and ODIHR and aims to facilitate the implementation of the national gender equality policy by responsible state agencies.