To strengthen the role of women in peacebuilding and security across Central Asia, the OSCE Gender Issues Programme organised a two-day regional workshop on 27–28 May in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The event brought together government officials, civil society representatives, scholars, and international experts to exchange experiences, share good practices, and explore practical strategies for integrating gender perspectives into national peace and security efforts.
Throughout the two days, participants engaged in expert-led sessions on key topics such as the development and monitoring of National Action Plans, strengthening inter-agency cooperation, and ensuring the meaningful participation of civil society and the security sector. A central theme across discussions was the importance of creating space for women’s voices to shape peace and security policies at all levels.
The workshop focused on supporting the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, with particular attention to advancing United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 in Central Asia and supporting Turkmenistan in updating its Gender Equality National Action Plan.
The GPS Centre’s Director Torunn L. Tryggestad participated (online) as a speaker in the workshop. In her contribution, Tryggestad talked about good practices and lessons learned from Norway on monitoring, evaluation and updating of National Action Plans.
