Multi-Sectoral Response to Gender-Based Violence in Central Asia

The workshop and training gathered representatives from various state agencies of Turkmenistan including the judiciary system, the law enforcement agencies, Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, Institute of State, Law and Democracy, the Office of Ombudsperson and and public associations Keyik Okara and Yenme  to learn the regional experience on strengthening the multi-sectoral response to gender based violence.

During the workshop Ms. Shemshat Atajanova, Head of the International Relations Department of the Institute of State, Law and Democracy in Turkmenistan made a presentation on Promoting Multi-stakeholder Approach to Gender Mainstreaming Issues in Turkmenistan. Ms. Atajanova noted that the work done in Turkmenistan in this field is in line with the National Action Plan on gender Equality which includes strengthening of the system of multisectoral response to gender-based violence against women.

The Spotlight Initiative Regional Programme covering 5 Central Asian countries, and in partnership with Afghanistan, is aimed at ending sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practice in Central Asia and Afghanistan. The Spotlight Initiative Regional Programme is implemented jointly by the UNDP, UNFPA and UN Women Country Offices in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The Spotlight Initiative is a global United Nations initiative supported by the European Union. The initiative aims to end all forms of violence against women and girls. The initiative represents an unprecedented global effort to invest in gender equality and women's empowerment as a prerequisite and driving force for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Spotlight Initiative's regional program for Central Asia and Afghanistan promotes legal reforms, capacity building of relevant institutions and women's movements, promotion of norms based on gender equality, and improved data collection and statistics on violence against women and girls. The Regional Program is collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society, donors, practitioners, academia and the media, to help eliminate harmful practices and support further gender transformation in the region. More information at www.spotlightinitiative.org