OSCE empowers youth to promote gender equality and prevent violence

From 26 November to 9 December 2025, as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe supported Office-trained young people in conducting four peer-to-peer awareness-raising sessions in Gharm, Khujand, Bokhtar, and Dushanbe, reaching 127 young people (80 women and 47 men).

The sessions aimed to increase awareness of gender-based violence (GBV) and domestic violence (DV), help participants recognize the signs of such violence, promote gender equality, and address harmful gender stereotypes. Facilitators highlighted the role of youth in preventing GBV and DV and provided information on available support services for victims.

In Dushanbe, the Office held a session for young people from the organization Protection of Rights and Development of Opportunities for the Deaf and Deaf-Blind, focusing on preventing domestic violence among peers with disabilities. The session encouraged participants to recognize signs of violence, challenge discriminatory gender norms, and take an active role in supporting victims and promoting non-violence.

These peer-to-peer sessions strengthened youth engagement, inclusivity, and community-based responses to GBV and DV across Tajikistan.