OSCE Centre in Ashgabat promotes women's role in public life

TURKMENBASHI, 10 December 2009 - Twenty-five female parliamentarians from Western Balkan and Central Asian countries, representatives of the National Institute for Democracy and Human Rights under the President of Turkmenistan, and the Women's Union of Turkmenistan were among participants in a one-day OSCE-organized seminar held today in Turkmenbashi to promote and support women's participation in public life.

More than 70 representatives of local administration, public organizations and students also took part in the high-level event, organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat in co-operation with the Mejlis (Parliament) of Turkmenistan.

Particpants discussed the importance of women's participation in public life, including the development and implementation of legislation on the topic.. They also learned about best practices from other OSCE participating States in addressing gender equality and increasing the role of women in the political life, including in the decision making process.

"This seminar offered a good opportunity for parliamentarians from different OSCE regions to exchange views and share experience to promote gender equality and integrate international standards into national legislation and practices. It is fitting that the seminar was held on Human Rights Day, which this year is focused on all forms of non-discrimination," said Ambassador Arsim Zekolli, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister, Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet, met seminar participants on the eve of the seminar.

The seminar formed part of the OSCE Centre's efforts to raise awareness on the importance of gender equality.