Practical Steps for Implementing CEDAW Recommendations on Gender Equality Discussed at the MFA of Turkmenistan

On March 25, 2026, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan dedicated to the implementation of recommendations from the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), as well as recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review regarding gender equality.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Mahri Bashimova, Vice-Chair of the CEDAW Committee Marianna Mikko, representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, the Ombudsman's Office, relevant ministries and departments of the country, as well as international organizations, including the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNFPA.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahri Bashimova emphasized in her speech Turkmenistan's consistent commitment to its international obligations in the field of women's rights and gender equality, including the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. It was noted that the recommendations developed following the productive dialogue with the CEDAW Committee in February 2024 are considered an important practical guide for further improving the national system for protecting women's rights.

During the meeting, participants discussed practical steps to implement CEDAW recommendations, the improvement of national mechanisms for protecting women's rights, and the development of interagency cooperation. Special attention was paid to the developed Roadmap for the implementation of CEDAW Committee recommendations, as well as issues regarding the implementation of the next phase of the National Action Plan for Gender Equality for 2026–2030.

Following the meeting, the importance of continuing regular dialogue with international organizations and using international experience to enhance the national legal and institutional framework for ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women and men was reaffirmed.