On 26–27 March 2026, Ashgabat will host a meeting of parliamentarians from Eastern Europe and Central Asia dedicated to strengthening the legislative framework on gender equality and the eradication of violence against women, reports IIC.

The event is organised by the Mejlis of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD), with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Japan Trust Fund (JTF). During the discussions, parliamentarians will discuss practical legal reforms to eliminate structural inequality and discriminatory norms.

The promotion of the rights of women and girls is seen as a key element of sustainable and inclusive development in Central Asia. Parliamentarians play a vital role in bringing national laws into line with international standards, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. They also oversee the allocation of budgetary resources and monitor compliance with gender equality principles at all levels of government.

The programme for the two-day event includes interactive sessions with parliamentarians, experts and activists, as well as field visits to government bodies, civil society organisations and healthcare facilities. The event will be conducted in English, Turkmen and Russian with simultaneous interpretation.