OSCE raises awareness on women’s rights with law enforcement officials in Turkmenistan

ASHGABAT, 25 July 2013 – Some 25 officials of Turkmenistan’s law enforcement institutions participated in an OSCE-organized seminar on women’s rights and gender issues in Ashgabat today.

The event, which was held by international and OSCE experts, emphasized in particular women’s security issues, including migration, violence against women and domestic violence, as well as mechanisms to address women’s security needs. The participants were also informed about international treaties and other instruments covering these questions, as well as OSCE commitments for the promotion of gender equality.

“Gender equality is essential to ensure security and stability in society, and we believe that this seminar is an excellent platform for the exchange of experiences in addressing women’s security in different OSCE participating States,” said Ambassador Ivo Petrov, Head of the OSCE Centre.

Andreea Vesa, Human Rights Officer with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), added that “paying attention to women’s needs and striking a gender balance within the ranks and in everyday practice of law enforcement institutions will make them more responsive and effective.”

ODIHR’s Adviser on Gender Issues, Kristin van der Leest, said: “International gender equality treaties provide guidance to law enforcement bodies in addressing women’s security needs. More emphasis needs to be put on ensuring their effective implementation.”

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, in co-operation with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, organized the event to increase the participants’ awareness about international standards on women’s rights and practices by law enforcement agencies to tackle issues where gender equality questions need to be considered.