An Open Dialogue to discuss partnership for achieving gender equality and addressing the gender-based violence gathered the representatives of the Parliament, government ministries and agencies and public organizations. The meeting was jointly organized by UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund and the Women’s Union of Turkmenistan within the global campaign “16 days of activism to stop violence against women and girls”.
In her opening statement, Ms. Elena Panova, United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNFPA Representative noted the long-time strategic partnership of UNFPA with the Government of Turkmenistan in the area of gender equality. She reminded that a series of significant events and initiatives have taken place within the framework of realizing the international obligations of Turkmenistan, including the CEDAW constructive dialogue, as well as implementation of the National Action Plan on Gender Equality in Turkmenistan.
Ms. Gurbangul Bayramova, Chairperson of Women’s Union of Turkmenistan further discussed the outcomes of the Regional Central Asia Conference held in Bishkek on 5-6 November 2018 and organized under the UN auspices. The Conference “Turning policies into action: Eliminating gender-based violence against women and girls in Central Asia” brought together representatives of parliaments, ministries, the judiciary, national human rights bodies and civil society organizations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The conference, the first such gathering in recent years, provided a forum for an exchange of experiences in legal and policy responses to gender-based violence against women and girls, measures to address harmful practices, and innovative solutions and partnerships. Turkmenistan’s participation in regional discussions, learning best regional practices and sharing its experience and achievements was especially underlined as important inputs the country makes an international arena.
The meeting participants were also informed about the upcoming survey on health and status of a woman in the family within the framework of National Action Plan on Gender Equality. It was emphasized that survey is importance for policy making, legislation development, state actions and scientific research.
A session on UNFPA innovative approaches to promoting gender equality gave an overview of the campaigns held this year by UNFPA and partners, including the mini-marathon for gender equality, launch of the women empowerment platform, Month of Women’s Health and Leadership Academy and Innovation Lab with focus on rural girls.
The meeting was concluded in a spirit of unity for gender equality, better understanding of the importance of addressing challenges such gender stereotypes and gender-based violence, progressing towards Sustainable Development Goals, where gender equality is an important pre-requisite.
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For additional information, please contact:
Bayramgul Garabayeva, UNFPA Assistant Representative
Dovran Yamatov, UNFPA Programme Analyst on Population Dynamics and Gender
Tel: 488325
