On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the UN system in Turkmenistan—represented by Mr. Dmitriy Shlapachenko, the UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Egor Zaitsev, WHO Representative and Mr. Kemal Goshliyev, Head of UNFPA Office came together for a special Cooking Master Class.  Designed not only as a celebration of women, but the master class also aimed to promote meaningful dialogue on gender equality, shared responsibility, and the everyday actions needed to create fairer and more inclusive homes and societies. It also advanced the principles of SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, and SDG 2: Zero Hunger, highlighting how gender roles connect closely with family health and nutrition.  A Celebration with Purpose From its outset, the event was framed as a space for more than cooking. Participants gathered to reflect on women’s rights, challenge persistent stereotypes, and highlight the importance of men’s involvement in domestic responsibilities. The decision to place men at the center of the cooking process was intentional—demonstrating that preparing meals is not a gender-specific favour, but a shared responsibility. Another reflection highlighted that achieving gender equality requires active participation from everyone, especially men who must commit to being allies and partners in everyday life. It was also underscored the connection between equality at home and family health, noting that when caregiving and household tasks are shared more fairly, families benefit from stronger wellbeing and resilience. Food as a Gateway to Dialogue Cooking was selected deliberately for its powerful symbolism. In many households, cooking is still viewed as a “women’s task,” reflecting broader inequalities in unpaid domestic labour. By encouraging men to take the lead, the master class created an opportunity for participants to question these norms openly. During the preparation of meals, participants discussed why caregiving—such as ensuring nutritious meals or looking after children’s wellbeing—often defaults to women, and how increasing men’s engagement can significantly strengthen family health. 
Colleagues from WHO and UNFPA also shared insights on how social expectations shape family health outcomes. A Step Forward for Equality Through open dialogue, shared cooking, and genuine reflection, the 8 March Cooking Master Class transformed a familiar daily activity into a platform for addressing deeply rooted social norms. Bringing together colleagues from across UN agencies, the event highlighted the vital role men play in advancing gender equality and fostering healthier, more supportive families. As the UN in Turkmenistan continues its advocacy throughout the year, activities like this highlight a simple truth: gender equality starts with shared responsibility, and every individual—women, men, girls, and boys—has a role to play. WATCH IT HERE 

Disclaimer: For the purposes of confidentiality, all names referenced herein have been changed.When Maksat was taken to the juvenile department after a street fight, it could have been the beginning of a long road of trouble. Like many children who find themselves in trouble with the law, Maksat wasn't "spoiled" - he simply grew up without support, in a family overwhelmed by difficulties.At home, Maksat's mother worked long hours to support the family, and his father, unsettled by employment and alcohol abuse, became increasingly distant. Maksat and his older brother spent most of their time outdoors, and strolling, minor misbehaviors, and begging passersby for money became a norm. One day, an argument escalated into a fight—and the boy came to the attention of the police.But instead of punishment, Maksat received something much more important - a chance.From police registration to a support planAfter registering with the inspectorate, Maksat was included in the diversion program - a system that allows children to avoid formal criminal prosecution, receiving in return support, mentoring, and specialist assistance.An interdepartmental team — a juvenile affairs inspector, psychologist, and social worker - joined forces to support him and his family, aware that a difficult journey lay ahead.The inspector became a mentor to the boy, meeting regularly to discuss his behavior and help him set realistic goals. The psychologist helped Maksat understand his feelings, taught him to control his anger, and express his emotions verbally rather than through actions. The social worker worked closely with the parents to restore stability at home and navigate daily challenges, including administrative tasks and finding temporary work.The Family Resource Assessment (FRA) was a critical turning point. Instead of focusing on failures, the FRA revealed hidden strengths. This revelation was powerful. It shifted the family's narrative from "we are the problem" to "we have strengths we've forgotten."Heal the family to help the childThe changes didn't happen immediately. During joint meetings, Maksat's mother admitted for the first time that she hadn't realized how much her absence was impacting her son. Family therapy with the family helped her consider finding a job with a flexible schedule so she could spend more time with the children. After several months of counseling, the father found temporary work and became more involved in the family's life. Gradually, the home became filled with trust and warmth.Maksat gradually started to change. He stopped fighting and skipping school. Teachers noticed that the boy had become calmer and more focused, and he showed an aptitude for computer science and foreign languages.His family’s struggles may not vanish overnight. Yet the boy once known for street fights and truancy is now charting a new path.He began attending school more regularly, not because he was forced to, but because he could express himself there. Helping his mother was no longer just a duty, but an act of love.Maksat’s story does not end with a dramatic finale, but with a new beginning.  He now sees more opportunities in life, while the team of specialists continues supporting Maksat and his family to help make their life better. What do diversion measures provide?Maksat.'s story demonstrates that diversion of juveniles from formal justice is a powerful tool for re-education through support and restoration as long as the right support structures are in place.This approach allows us to see the child as an individual capable of change when provided with the right support and care.Diversion measures do not eliminate accountability — they transform consequences into opportunities for growth. By engaging families, schools, and communities, these programmes help children in conflict with the law develop responsibility, rebuild trust, and successfully reintegrate into society. For Maksat, this was a new beginning. And for those around him, it was an example of how one child can avoid a path to reoffending.The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, with the support of UNICEF, are advancing the application of diversion measures for minors away from formal justice processes so that every child who comes into conflict with the law receives not only justice, but also understanding, support, and a real chance to start life anew.

Early Detection I am 40 and from Sarahs. I discovered I had diabetes by chance - during a routine health check-up at my previous job. I had no complaints and felt completely healthy. But a blood test revealed elevated 6.8 glucose level. I was referred to an endocrinologist. The doctor said this was above the norm and that I needed an additional test for glycated hemoglobin, which shows the "average" blood sugar level over three months. To my surprise, I didn't even have to go to Ashgabat for it; I could get the test done right there at the polyclinic in Sarahs. My glycated hemoglobin was also above normal."You have type 2 diabetes," the doctor said after reviewing all my tests. It was a shock for me. Yes, I knew about diabetes - my mother has it. But I always thought I definitely wouldn't get it.Accessible Treatment The doctor explained that I was lucky - the diabetes was detected at an early stage. But she warned me: the disease cannot be cured, only controlled. Almost immediately, after checking that my liver and kidneys were fine, I was prescribed a medication - metformin.Mentally, I was prepared to start buying pills. But it turned out that wasn't even necessary. I was registered at the Sarahs polyclinic, and every month I started receiving metformin for free. I took it twice a day as prescribed. And I still take it to this day.Ongoing ControlThey also detected hypertension, which I was unaware of. A cardiologist selected medications for me, which are also provided to me for free at the polyclinic. And now my blood pressure is stable. Yes, I have to regularly get my blood sugar, creatinine, and albumin checked at my local polyclinic near home to monitor my kidney health. I also get my cholesterol checked there every six months. The doctor explained that with my lifestyle and diagnosis, this is very important: with diabetes, cholesterol plaques form on blood vessel walls faster, which means a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. But all of this is checked quickly - no need to travel to the capital or abroad.Today, I have been living with diabetes for 3 years. I keep it under control! I take my medication, try to watch my diet, check my sugar, and see my doctors. I feel like a person again, not a hostage to the disease. I can work and provide for my family. I can afford to have fun with my younger son without falling apart. We even went on a summer vacation to the seaside!Within Walking DistanceI hope my example helps those who are also facing this problem. The most important thing is not to face the illness alone. Go to the polyclinic, see the specialists - they will help, just as they helped me. Many don't even know that now, in any etrap, you can get almost all tests done at the polyclinics; any etrap has modern laboratories with reagents in stock.I now send all my neighbors to our polyclinic. And many have already gotten checked: some also had high sugar, some had liver issues, some had heart problems. They started treatment right there, receive medications - they don't even have to buy them - and feel better than before. Isn't that happiness? UNDP and Turkmenistan: Jointly Strengthening the Healthcare SystemIn Turkmenistan, UNDP, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, continues to implement projects aimed at strengthening the healthcare system, ensuring access to diagnostics and quality medicines. Under these initiatives, clinical laboratories are being equipped - from velayat centers to remote etraps across the country - and reagents for conducting a wide spectrum of various tests are being procured. Medications for the treatment of infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases - cardiovascular, neurological, endocrinological, oncological, and rare conditions, including those requiring lifelong therapy - are also being supplied.Access to timely treatment and prevention allows people to maintain their health, ability to work, and quality of life. This opens up opportunities to focus on education, work, and participation in society on an equal basis with others. For the state, this means less disability, fewer social payments, and reduced spending on costly treatment of complications. Healthy people continue to work, pay taxes, and develop the economy, and every investment in prevention yields a manifold return."Universal health coverage, based on the prevention and early detection of diseases, is a fundamental investment in a healthy society and a strong economy, where every resource invested is multiplied by the productivity of citizens. Building on successful experience in innovative technologies, UNDP and Turkmenistan will continue to collaborate in building a resilient healthcare system. Our joint focus is aimed at the widespread expansion of access to diagnostics and treatment, the digitalization of services, and the strengthening of human resource capacity, to make healthcare a driver of sustainable development for every resident of Turkmenistan," - notes Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan.

Our story is about what masculinity is and what it means to be a man in the 21st century,how modern young men and young women change the social norms to advance gender equality, empowerment and human rights for all, including women and girls.We would like to tell this story about Nedir, a 35-year-old sports coach from Mary velayat, represents a new generation of Turkmen men in Turkmenistan who are redefining what it means to be a man and what is masculinity. From his childhood Nedir Nedir viewed masculinity through a rigid lens: a man was a provider, a protector, and the sole decision-maker. As a sambo trainer at a local sports school, he lived in a world of physical dominance, teaching teenage boys that "masculine" meant being the strongest person in the room.However, the seeds of change were planted the moment girls began walking into his gym. As he coached them to fight, control their emotions, and claim victory, his old beliefs began to crumble. He watched with immense pride as five of his female students rose to national and international levels in martial arts—traditionally a "man’s world." He realized then that strength and resilience have no gender. Nedir’s transformation reached a turning point when he joined the "Youth, Sports and Gender Equality" initiative, a collaboration between the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Physical Culture and Sport and UNFPA, conducted as part of a UNFPA regional project funded by the UK government. This program gave Nedir a new vocabulary for the feelings he had been developing. He transitioned from a traditional coach to a social advocate, participating in workshops alongside trainers and volunteers from Ashgabat and Lebap. He sharpened his public speaking skills that allowed him to lead discussions on how restrictive social norms hold everyone back.Today, Nedir teaches young men that true strength is found in partnership and respect, not superiority. He often frames gender equality as a team sport—a "win for everyone"— where a healthy society can only be built if every player is given an equal chance to succeed. The most profound change, however, is not found in the gym, but in Nedir’s own home. The man who once believed in "traditional roles" now shares domestic duties and childcare equally with his wife. By prioritizing her rest and her goals, he discovered that a marriage based on mutual respect is far more stable than one based on hierarchy. For Nedir, washing the dishes or caring for his children isn't a loss of masculinity; it is an act of leadership.Today Nedir remains convinced that a coach’s job doesn't end when the whistle blows. He believes that by involving men in the conversation about equality, he is helping to foster a society where both boys and girls have the same chance to realize their potential. To Nedir, being a leader means ensuring that his community wins together, built on a foundation of peace, respect, and shared progress. Currently the programme was scaled up to all 5 regions in the country. By engaging young athletes and coaches in the promotion of gender equality and volunteerism, the project has created a vital movement that continues to popularize healthy lifestyles and equal opportunities through the power of sport.