Achieving gender equality, preventing gender-based violence, and empowering women and girls are key objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals. Gender equality begins in the family, where the first notions of roles, values, and harmonious relationships are formed. The first year of marriage plays a crucial role in strengthening relationships and building a solid foundation for a happy family. Marriage preparation equips young couples with essential skills in equal partnership, mutual support, and conflict resolution

UNFPA actively collaborates with men and women of all ages to address gender inequalities, improve reproductive health, and eliminate gender-based violence. In 2023-2024, a pilot project was launched in Ashgabat, Mary, and Lebap velayats in partnership with the Ministry of Adalat of Turkmenistan. Through this initiative, staff at civil registry offices received training on gender equality, family value harmonization, effective communication, and conflict management within families. Using the knowledge gained, they provided consultations to young couples registering their marriage, emphasizing the importance of building equal relationships rooted in mutual understanding, respect, and shared responsibility.

UNFPA's partnership with the State Committee on Physical Culture and Sports plays a key role in advancing gender equality. One of the notable initiatives under this collaboration was the pilot volunteer project “Youth, Sport, and Gender Equality”, conducted as part of a UNFPA regional project funded by the UK government. The primary aim of this initiative is to promote healthy lifestyles, sports, and gender equality among young people, in line with the Law on Physical Culture and Sports and the National Action Plan on Gender Equality for 2021–2025. In 2023–2024, the program was implemented in Ashgabat, Mary, and Lebap velayats. Young volunteers, including students from sports schools, served as agents of change, challenging gender stereotypes and fostering equal opportunities for all. They organized information campaigns, training sessions, and events to promote healthy lifestyles, physical activity, sports, and gender equality. The volunteers followed a core principle: a commitment to helping others, sharing experiences, and continuously learning

From November 17 to 22, 2024, an independent national expert conducted monitoring activities and meetings to evaluate the pilot project in Ashgabat, Mary, and Lebap velayats. These activities included participation from representatives of state institutions, public organizations, coaches, volunteers, and youth. The expert conducted interviews and discussions with project participants and attended open lessons focused on promoting gender equality and sports games.

Based on the report and analysis of the project’s outcomes, it is anticipated that these initiatives will be extended to all velayats of Turkmenistan. This expansion will not only solidify the progress made but also enable a broader outreach to young people, fostering gender equality, healthy lifestyles, and sports across the country.

The joint efforts of UNFPA and its partners contribute to the development of an inclusive society, where gender equality serves as the foundation for harmonious families and a thriving community.