Youth Dialogue on Rights, Equality, Inclusiveness promote rights-based engagement among young people

The Live Dialogue gathered more than 150 young people from across Turkmenistan to celebrate the diversity, talk about equality and discuss ways to build a more equal and inclusive society. 

The event featured Polina Guryeva, Olympic silver medalist of Turkmenistan, who delivered a Keynote speech about her own story, gender equality in the country, specifically about the achievements of women in sports in Turkmenistan. 

UNFPA Turkmenistan presented the background, goals and the aspirations of the Campaign “We are diverse. We are equal” (#DürliEmmaDeň), which aims to promote the culture of tolerance, dignity and respect among the young people in society and social media. The presentation officially launched the Campaign, which will run from November 2021 until 11 July 2022. 

“I am very excited to see that you are more connected than ever before, that you are contributing to the resilience of your communities by offering innovative solutions, promoting social progress and inspiring change. You are a huge and important asset to invest in”, noted Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in his welcoming speech.

“During the next several months UNFPA will share inspiring stories of youth, animations, posts and materials on rights-based engagement among our young people,” said Ene Tuyliyeva, UNFPA Communications Analyst.  “We invite all young people to actively engage in promoting tolerance, inclusiveness and respect among peers towards all groups regardless of gender, age, region, ability or disability, ethnic background or life choices, simply on the grounds that we are all human and we are all equal. Be a role model!” she added.

The Instagram bloggers and influencers, including @Joralar, @Belli.creative, @jennet.artykova, @gdg_wtm_ashgabat, and @shukur_muradoff joined the event and delivered presentations on gender equality, men and boys engagement in promoting positive social norms, girls in technology, as well as promoting inclusiveness at a work place and society. 

“Every girl and woman has the right to have information about her body, her health, and changes in the body,” said @Joralar during her presentation. “This will help her to be responsible for and build her own future.”

"The secret of a successful business is to turn a hobby into a job. There is no need to be afraid, hesitate, and think for a long time. Do you like it? Do it, try it," shared her story @jennet.artykova.

Two more Youth Dialogues will follow on 3 December – on International Day for People with Disabilities - entitled “Empowered and Engaged in an Inclusive Society,” and on 10 December – on International Human Rights Day - entitled “Empowered and Engaged in an Equal Society.”

The Dialogues will invite the experts and youth speakers who will unpack the issues of inclusiveness and equality and together with young people discuss the opportunities for building a stronger, more inclusive and equal society.