The National Institute of Democracy and Human Rights under the President of Turkmenistan together with UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe have launched countrywide round tables on gender equality.

On the eve of the constructive dialogue of Turkmenistan's national delegation with the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, the key national experts the sensitized government, local administration, law enforcement and public organizations representatives on key aspects of the gender equality, international obligations of Turkmenistan on gender equality and implementation of National Action Plan on Gender Equality in Turkmenistan for 2015-2020.  The lively discussions covered the issues of women and employment, reproductive health and rights, and the role of public organizations in promoting gender equality in Turkmenistan.

A group of national experts facilitated the round tables with participation of the government officials. In the course of the round table discussions, the participants asked relevant questions, provided feedback and comments to the work that is being carried out in the country, and made suggestions for improving the current practices on promoting gender equality in the country. One of suggestions was to strengthen the focus on explaining the gender equality principles and benefits to the young people through education system. Other issues included promoting involvement of women in small scale entrepreneurship so that more women can contribute to the income generation opportunities of families. Women and employment was one of the most popular topics throughout the roundtables, with members of the unions noting the importance of sensitizing the managers and employers on gender equality principles and educating them on the existing legislation in the area of gender equality.  Overall, all participants provided a very positive feedback and support for holding this type of discussions via round tables and requested to conduct them on a regular basis. The role of multi-sectoral collaboration was also noted during the roundtables, especially when the presenters spoke about the upcoming Health and Situation of Women in the Family Survey.  

The key principles and approaches in gender mainstreaming were revisited, global data on current inequalities introduced and national priorities discussed in line with the global agenda. The development and approval of the first ever National Action Plan on Gender Equality was noted as an important phase in promoting equal rights and opportunities for women and men in Turkmenistan.  

The round tables were conducted in Ashgabat and Akhal velayat, and will continue throughout the year in Mary, Turkmenabat, Dashoguz and Turkmenbashi.

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For additional information, please contact:

Bayramgul Garabayeva, UNFPA Assistant Representative
garabayeva@unfpa.org

Dovran Yamatov, UNFPA Programme Associate on Gender equality

Tel: 488325
Web: turkmenistan.unfpa.org, tm.one.un.org