DUSHANBE, April 27, 2016, Asia-Plus -- The OSCE Office in Tajikistan yesterday held an open day event in Dushanbe, inviting some 45 governmental officials from state agencies and representatives of civil society, the international and community and OSCE participating States to learn about the Mission’s work in gender equality in the country.

As well as screening a film about the OSCE-supported Women’s Resource Centers in Tajikistan and an exposition of handicrafts manufactured by the project’s beneficiaries, participants were briefed on the Office’s work in gender equality, promoting women’s participation in political life, gender mainstreaming initiatives in border management, police reform and economic-environmental areas.

“Activities on promoting the equal rights of women and men are essential to peace, sustainable democracy, economic development and stability of any country,” said Viorelia Rusu, the OSCE Office’s Gender and Anti-Trafficking Officer.  “Today’s event highlights our readiness to continue co-operating with all actors within and beyond the country involved in promoting gender equality. The exchange of information among the event participants done today will help the Office in its strategic planning for 2017.”

According to the OSCE Office, the event was a part of the Office’s Gender Action Plan for 2016.