OSCE online workshop validates the need for establishment of regional networks for female professionals in preventing and countering violent extremism
On 16 June 2022, the OSCE Gender Issues Programme and the Transnational Threats Department’s Action against Terrorism Unit organized an online validation workshop on the needs assessment for creating two regional networks for female practitioners in preventing and countering violent extremism that lead to radicalization (P/CVERLT) in South-Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Based on the needs assessment, carried out by the OSCE in early 2022, the OSCE plans to form two regional women P/CVERLT networks for South-Eastern Europe and Central Asia, with elements of cross-regional engagement and sharing. The networks will build on existing OSCE initiatives such as the Leaders against Intolerance and Violent Extremism (LIVE) Community of Practice.
The workshop gathered together 40 participants from governments, security, education, health and social welfare sectors, civil society, academia and international organizations. During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to validate and discuss key findings and recommendations of the needs assessment and to provide insights and advice on the management model, membership and objectives of the two regional networks.
The aim of the initiative is to provide a platform for the female P/CVERLT professionals in the two regions to exchange good practices, to learn from one another and to build long-lasting professional and personal relationships. It will also serve as a generator of new ideas and perspectives and lift up voices of women professionals in informing and shaping gender-sensitive P/CVERLT policies. In addition, the networks are envisaged to contribute to strengthened relationship between the authorities and non-governmental actors.
The workshop was implemented under the WIN for Women and Men: Strengthening Comprehensive Security through Innovating and Networking for Gender Equality (WIN) project, which aims to improve gender equality by taking action on Gender Based Violence, Economic Justice and Rights and Technology and Innovation.