AKIPRESS.COM - The last in a series of 12 regional training courses on gender stereotypes and leadership for young women from rural areas conducted by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan’s Democratization Unit concluded on May 25, the OSCE said.

During the months of April and May, some 190 young women from Dushanbe and five regions shared their experiences with the prejudices and obstacles they face on a daily basis, but also discussed ways to tackle those issues and achieve a satisfactory work-life balance.

“In order to create an inclusive and prosperous society, it is important to ensure that voices of young rural women are heard and their interests and points of view taken into account,” said Vesna Ivanovikj-Castarede, OSCE Gender and Anti-Trafficking Officer. “Role models in rural communities can be of help. Strong personalities can inspire personal change, and also initiate a positive change in traditional norms towards women and girls.”