June 7, 2023, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Turkmenistan in partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has concluded a six-month pilot training program on family counseling. USAID and UNFPA-supported civil society organizations provided training on positive gender norms, reproductive rights, and constructive conflict resolution to over 200 young couples in Ashgabat, Mary, and Turkmenabat cities. In addition, the trainers and participants discussed ways to nurture family environment and prevent gender-based violence.
Based on the success of the initiative, UNFPA will continue piloting family counseling training sessions. “USAID has a long-standing commitment to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, and to promote gender equality and women’s economic empowerment,” said Nino Nadiradze, USAID Country Representative to Turkmenistan during the inaugural training.
This effort is one of many examples of UNFPA and USAID’s work in partnership with international donors, local government, and civil society organizations to develop comprehensive mechanisms and systems to empower women and promote gender equality in Turkmenistan.
Background
National Action Plan for Gender Equality for 2021-2025 (NAPGE) is a comprehensive policy document, which identifies national goals, objectives, and priorities to continue advancement in the realization of gender equality in all spheres of people’s lives at national and local levels. The document was developed by the Working Group of the Interagency Commission to ensure the implementation of international obligations of Turkmenistan in the areas of human rights and international humanitarian law with support of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund.
The USAID-funded Governance Support Program, implemented by the Q2 Impact (formerly known as QED Group LLC) in partnership with the Government of Turkmenistan, aims to strengthen accountability, effectiveness, and transparency of governance in the country. GSP works with partners in line with the NAPGE 2021-2025. USAID’s 2023 Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Policy also aims to build capacity, to address gender equality and women’s rights at the institutional and societal levels.
Please watch:
National Action Plan for Gender Equality for 2021-2025
For more information, please contact:
Mehri Karakulova
UNFPA National Programme Analyst on Gender and Youth
Ogulgerek Annayeva
UNFPA Communications Analyst
About UNFPA: UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.
