OSCE workshop on gender mainstreaming in human resources departments of border and law enforcement agencies

More than 90 participants took part in an online workshop on gender mainstreaming in human resources departments of border and law enforcement agencies, which was organized on 23 March 2021 by the Border Security and Management Unit in the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department.

“We need to remove many built-in obstacles in hiring, retaining and promoting women in border and law enforcement agencies. Human Resources departments play an essential role in this endeavor,” said Dennis Cosgrove, Head of the OSCE Border Security and Management Unit, in his opening remarks. “Successful organizations are diverse organizations. In order to be successful in the 21st century, border and security management agencies need to observe the surrounding world through gender lenses and women officers can contribute to this success.”

The workshop participants were members of the OSCE Gender Equality Platform in Border Security and Management from 15 OSCE participating States and 3 Partners for Co-operation, and were joined by relevant experts and representatives from OSCE field operations, international organizations and networks.

During the online workshop, the participants explored successful techniques and methods for mainstreaming gender in recruiting and for retaining and promoting women officers in the security sector. The participants also shared best practices and experiences on gender mainstreaming in talent acquisition within border and law enforcement agencies from Montenegro, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.