International conference “International standards for gender policies”, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 13-14 April 2009

05-05-2009, 13:04

The International Conference "International standards for gender policies" was held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan during 13-14 April 2009, where Ukrainian delegation has participated.  The Conference was organized by the Turkmen National Institute of Democracy and human rights in collaboration with UNFPA and was devoted to the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the CEDAW and 15th anniversary of the ICPD.

The main purpose of this event was re-affirming of the CEDAW, OP CEDAW and ICPD Programme of Action by participating countries through presenting at thematic sessions their best experiences in developing and implementing gender-sensitive legislation, providing state programmes and projects for women empowerment and improving women reproductive health as well. Ukrainian delegation has been represented by Mr. Yuriy Syzenko, Deputy Minister of Ukraine for family, youth and sports and Mr. Oleksandr Gorbenko, UNFPA project manager.

At the second thematic session which was devoted to gender equality and women empowerment country strategies Mr. Yuriy Syzenko presented the current situation of women in Ukraine, implementation of the State Programme for providing gender equality in ukrainian society for 2006-2010 (results for 2008), adopted and drafted laws and state decrees concerning gender equality in Ukraine, and fruitful collaboration between the Ministry of Ukraine for family, youth and sports and UNFPA CO in Ukraine since 2006. Also, Mr. Syzenko has emphasized on a very important role of parliamentary hearings in lawmaking process in Ukraine for last years and importance of male involvement for women empowerment (the example of UNFPA funded project for male involvement against GBV was presented).

At the final part of the Conference, moderators and international experts made conclusions for each thematic session. Also, the Plans of follow-up activities for each direction were developed, discussed and presented.