OSCE helps to promote gender equality in the security sector of Kyrgyzstan

Women from across the security and law enforcement sectors in Kyrgyzstan met at a national forum in Bishkek on 4 March to discuss ways of promoting gender equality in their fields of work.

The forum, entitled Women of Kyrgyzstan for Peace, Security and Development, was co-organized by the Kyrgyz Association of Women in Security Sector (KAWSS), the National Council of Women, the National Committee of Soldiers’ Mothers, and the Forum of Women Members of Parliament.

It gathered Members of Parliament, female representatives of Kyrgyzstan’s security sector and law enforcement agencies, municipal councils,  international organizations and civil society.

The participants explored ways of strengthening inter-agency co-operation, intensifying efforts to prevent gender-based violence, searching for improved ways to shape security and peace-building policies, and further developing a shared sense of responsibility among the local population in general.

The discussion focused specifically on  enhancing the role of women in decision making, which is also in line with Kyrgyzstan’s Action Plan on the Implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, and with the country’s National Action Plan to Achieving Gender Equality 2018-2020.

Vice-Prime Minister Altynai Omurbekova noted that the National Action Plan includes measures to tackle various gender issues including gender-based violence. “Today’s event is a great platform that enhances the importance of further implementing this Action Plan by all stakeholders, together,” she said.

The Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, Pierre von Arx, expressed his recognition of the role women play in combating gender-based violence, in dispute settlement, early warning and prevention of violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism, and in the fight against corruption, amongst many other social problems and security issues. “It is therefore essential to strengthen women’s capacities and participation in security and other government sectors at all levels, from the highest decision-making level to the local, grassroots level,” he stressed.

This is one of the important roles of the Forum of Women Members of Parliament and the KAWSS, and I would like to reaffirm the readiness of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek to support all their positive efforts,” von Arx added.

A resolution was adopted by all participants at the conclusion of the forum. The document specifies seven steps to increase the representation and ensure the active participation of women at all levels of decision-making, especially in the security sector.