March 15, 2024, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) together with the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Turkmenistan held a meeting of the Development Partners Coordination Group on gender issues. The event gathered representatives of embassies, international organizations and UN agencies accredited in Turkmenistan.

The meeting focused on promoting the rights of women and girls in Turkmenistan, in accordance with the principles of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The participants discussed the final recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which address gender equality and women's empowerment as stipulated in the CEDAW framework.

UNFPA in Turkmenistan, building on a 30-year partnership with the Government of Turkmenistan, actively supports the realization of the rights of women and girls, especially vulnerable women and girls, to a healthy life, equal opportunities and freedom of choice.

At the end of the meeting, the participants expressed their commitment to further cooperation in promoting gender equality in Turkmenistan.

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CEDAW, adopted by the UN in 1979, is the fundamental international instrument guaranteeing women and girls equal rights and opportunities in all spheres of life. It covers a wide range of issues, including education, health care, political participation, economic opportunities and protection from violence.

Turkmenistan ratified CEDAW in 1996, thus reaffirming its commitment to gender equality. The Convention plays an important role in advancing the rights of women and girls in the country, and its provisions serve as a guideline for the development and implementation of State policy.