OSCE empowers women economically by training them as mountain guides in Tajikistan

From 23 to 30 June 2021, the Office organized an eight-day training course for women as future mountain guides. Ten women from different mountainous areas of Tajikistan participated in the training that took place on the Gaznok mountain range of the Ayni district.  Prior to trekking and camping in the mountains, a two-day introductory training course was held in Dushanbe conducted by Andrey Gupalov, a local mountain guide and Violeta Velkoska, Gender and Anti-Trafficking Officer at the Programme Office. Participants learned about leadership and communication skills, preparation, expedition planning, route selection, the basics in environment and meteorology, packing the equipment, risk assessment, and first aid and mountain rescue. Discussing gender equality issues, combating gender stereotypes and the role of women in decision-making processes were also part of the course conducted by Mahbuba Mamadatokhonova, National Gender Officer at the Programme Office.   

The main part of the training course consisted of six-days of practical exercises in mountain camps. The first camp was set up at a height of 2300 metres and the second at 2900. Participants were familiarized with the mountainous region, its flora and fauna, climbing techniques, working with ropes and other mountaineering equipment, and how to settle the camp. They were also taught about the changes in mountain weather conditions and the challenges of altitude sickness.