On 5 May, UNFPA in Turkmenistan, in cooperation with the Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan and the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, held a roundtable on gender equality with representatives of key ministries and departments, local government bodies and civil society organizations of the Ahal velayat.

The event was attended by more than 20 representatives of regional structures, including the Ahal velayat hakimlik, deputies of the Mejlis, regional departments of health, education, labor and social protection, law enforcement agencies, regional branches of the Women's Union of Turkmenistan and the youth organization, representatives of the National Red Crescent Society, trade unions, the Institute of State, Law and Democracy, as well as regional divisions of the migration, border and customs services.

The purpose of the round table was to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) on Gender Equality for 2021-2025, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Roadmap for the implementation of the recommendations of the National Survey on the Health and Status of Women in the Family, as well as familiarize themselves with the activities planned within the framework of the Roadmap for the implementation of the final recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

Participants discussed progress achieved and existing challenges. The aim of the discussions was to ensure that efforts are aligned with national and international standards in the field of gender equality.

Also, during the round table, special attention was paid to monitoring issues concerning the situation of rural women, women with disabilities and other categories of the population based on the principle of “leaving no one behind”.

The round table held in Ashgabat was a continuation of a series of events aimed at further strengthening gender equality in Turkmenistan. Similar round tables will be held until June 4 in Dashoguz and Balkan velayats, as well as in the city of Ashgabat.