OSCE-sponsored forum focuses on the role of Tajik women in development issues

DUSHANBE, 28 November 2006 - Mobilizing civil society to participate in the development and implementation of governmental policies is the aim of an OSCE-sponsored forum for women's non-governmental organizations that opened today in Dushanbe.

Representatives from Tajik women's non-governmental organizations, government agencies and international community will discuss the implementation of state programmes on gender equality and poverty reduction during the two-day forum on "Women and Development Issues." The forum, the third of its kind, will be chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister.

"This forum is an opportunity to discuss the role and responsibilities of the civil society in the implementation of gender-related policy documents," said Klaus Rasmussen, Acting Head of the OSCE Centre in Dushanbe. "It also helps NGOs establish of a fruitful partnership with government bodies."

Participants also will discuss a shadow report on the implementation of the UN Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women in Tajikistan. The report was compiled by more than 100 NGOs.

The forum is co-organized with the Tajik Committee for Women and Family Affairs, the United Nations Development Fund for Women and the NGO "Gender and Development".

"Women's NGOs have played an important role in the development of the country. They have conducted trainings, provided consultations on legal matters, led advocacy campaigns and provided social services," said Graziella Piga, Gender Officer in the OSCE Centre in Dushanbe.

"This forum enables them to share experiences and define responsibilities as they strive to create a gender-equal society."