AKIPRESS.COM - The OSCE Office in Tajikistan and the OSCE-supported Women’s Resource Centres (WRCs) signed the new implementing partner agreement on March 3 to launch project implementation for 2017. The signing ceremony was held in the premises of the Balkhi Women Resource Centre, Khatlon region.

“The Office is happy to extend its support to the WRCs in 18 locations spread around the country. Through our co-operation we contribute to increasing a sense of security for people,” said Ambassador Tuula Yrjölä, Head of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan. “Since 2011 the Network of WRCs has provided assistance to 93,931 beneficiaries (78,073 women and 15,858 men) in the remotest areas of Tajikistan. The Office in Tajikistan aims to continue its intervention in this specific area to promote women’s rights and to raise awareness among vulnerable groups of the society”.

“We are happy to continue our co-operation with the OSCE in the area of combating domestic violence and breaking gender-related stereotypes in the regions. We have been able to gain the trust of the people throughout the years by providing quality services to the survivors of domestic violence and women in difficulties,” said Muazama Usmanova, the Director of the Oxana NGO in the Balkhi district of Khatlon region.

The Network of Women’s Resource Centres is the largest civil society network in Tajikistan promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls to claim their rights and access state services and institutions. It provides free legal and psychological counselling to protect and rehabilitate the survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. The sewing and computer courses offered by the WRCs help survivors to be empowered economically and facilitate their integration into society.