OSCE supports workshop on strengthening capacity of government agencies in COVID-19 response by promoting women’s participation

An OSCE-supported 6-day intensive workshop on the “Activities of state bodies during state of emergencies and emergency situations: interaction and problems. The role of women employees during emergencies", concluded today, 16 September, in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan.

The Kyrgyz Association of Women in the Security Sector, Law Enforcement and Rule of Law (KAWSS), supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, organized the workshop.

The workshop brought together participants from the Kyrgyzstan’s General Staff of the Armed Forces, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Emergency Situations, Ministry of Education and Science, State Border Service and State Defence Committee.

During the months of April and May, due to the state of emergency declared because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kyrgyzstan introduced lock-down measures. With the possible emergence of a second wave, it was important to analyse the lessons learnt from the past months and to develop recommendations for the future.

Participants shared experiences, discussed the effectiveness of interagency co-ordination efforts during emergencies, developed recommendations for improving interagency co-operation during emergencies and analysed the role of women in the provision of those activities.

Aidarkul Kaana, Chairperson of KAWSS, said that: “Women make up the majority of health and social workers who continue to work at the forefront of the COVID-19 response. Consequently, in any emergency situation or in a state of emergency, participation of women-professionals in co-ordination groups will facilitate a quick and effective recovery.”