From December 1 to 9, UNFPA and the State Committee on Physical Culture and Sports of Turkmenistan held working meetings with coordinators and volunteers of an initiative to develop volunteerism and involvement of men in promoting healthy lifestyles, physical education, sports, as well as to promote gender equality among young people and, in particular, among young men.

This initiative was conducted at sports schools in the cities of Ashgabat, Mary and Turkmenabat. The initiative also included meetings with local authorities and public organizations working with young people to discuss the interests and needs of young people in the regions and partnership opportunities. The participants took part in debates to discuss gender relations, roles and responsibilities of men and women, stereotypes, concepts of masculinity and femininity, and strategies and methods for managing emotions. Finally, sports games among young female  athletes in different sports were held in each city to demonstrate the importance of equality and cooperation between genders. These activities were aimed at promoting volunteering, sports, and physical education among young people, as well as raising awareness about gender equality and the role of young men in promoting gender equality in society.

These initiatives are carried out within the framework of the Work Plan between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sports of Turkmenistan for 2023 to support the implementation of the Program of Support and Development of Physical Culture and Sports in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025, as well as to strengthen mechanisms for youth participation through the promotion of physical culture, sport, peace, and gender equality.