The OSCE hosted a workshop on November 18-19, 2024, in Ashgabat to discuss measures to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in Turkmenistan. The event featured findings from a needs assessment by Malin Palm and was attended by various stakeholders, aiming to enhance local efforts in this area. John MacGregor from the OSCE stressed the importance of creating safe environments for survivors.
A workshop organized by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) took place on November 18-19, 2024, in Ashgabat to discuss strategies for preventing and responding to gender-based and domestic violence in Turkmenistan. The workshop featured findings from a needs assessment conducted by Malin Palm, a Swedish gender expert, as part of the OSCE’s extra-budgetary project aimed at strengthening mechanisms against such violence. Preliminary findings and recommendations were presented to enhance the effectiveness of stakeholders over the next three to five years. John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, emphasized that gender-based violence is a significant global issue, weakening societal structures by fostering inequality and discrimination. He stated, “We organized this workshop to discuss how we can practically implement our commitment to create safe environments where justice is served, and where support systems for survivors are strengthened.” The seminar addressed new approaches, including responses to internet-related violence and behavioral change programs for domestic violence perpetrators, bringing together various representatives from governmental agencies, public organizations, and legal institutions. This collaborative effort aimed to explore comprehensive solutions to combat gender-based violence in Turkmenistan.
Gender-based violence remains a pervasive problem worldwide, affecting individuals regardless of their nationality or socio-economic status. In Turkmenistan, as in many other countries, instituting effective preventive measures and response mechanisms is critical for addressing both societal and individual impacts of this violence. The OSCE has actively sought to strengthen local capacities to combat gender-based violence through collaborative workshops and projects, responding to the need for systematic approaches in the region.
The OSCE workshop in Ashgabat marks a significant step towards enhancing the prevention and response frameworks for gender-based violence in Turkmenistan. With expert insights and collaborative discussions, there is a renewed commitment from local stakeholders to take actionable steps in creating safe environments for all individuals. The need for continuous evaluation and innovative strategies remains vital for combating this global issue effectively.
Original Source: www.osce.org
