OSCE-supported Forum "Women's Participation: A Pillar for Peace and Stability" in Kyrgyzstan contributes to the global "Women, Peace, Security" agenda.

Batken, 30 October 2023 – The city of Batken played host to a Forum on "Women's Participation: A Pillar for Peace and Stability", which holds particular significance as an integral component of Kyrgyzstan's National Action Plan for the realization of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 within the 2022-2024 timeframe. Aligned with strategic imperatives in the realm of "Governance, Rule of Law, and Peacebuilding," this Forum emerged as a platform for in-depth examination, identification of shared challenges, and prioritization of endeavors dedicated to advancing the global "Women, Peace, Security" agenda.

The Forum served as a platform for attendees to acquaint themselves with the progress in implementing the Resolution 1325 at both national and local levels in Kyrgyzstan. Four thematic roundtables facilitated robust dialogues, enabling the exchange of best practices and the assimilation of lessons learned. Moreover, the event fostered the development of concrete collaboration mechanisms to further the objectives of the "Women, Peace, Security" agenda.

“It is worth noting that the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek has been supporting the Network of Women’s Initiative Groups (WIG) since 2011. These are groups of active women at the local level who are respected among members of the local community and promote women's rights in the fight against domestic violence, promote early response, prevention and resolution of conflicts at the local level. In addition, the network plays an important role in educating young people on peacebuilding and human rights issues. Today, the WIG Network unites 28 groups of women in all seven regions of the country. This event brought together WIG leaders from all regions of the country in Batken to exchange experiences and strengthen ties.” – noted Ekaterine Nakashidze, Acting Deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek.

The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek supported the Forum, recognizing it as a significant undertaking by the Network of Women's Initiative Groups aimed at reinforcing the leadership of women and their contributions to peacebuilding. It is our aspiration that the outcomes of this Forum will contribute to our shared mission of fostering peace and security by empowering women in the realms of peacebuilding and conflict prevention.