Ashgabat, September 10, 2024 - Social work specialists from the city of Ashgabat and Tedzhen etrap of Akhal province and representatives of non-governmental organizations such as “Deaf and Blind Society of Turkmenistan” and “Yenme” deepened their understanding of gender aspects in migration processes at a one-day training conducted by the specialists of “Ynanly Egindeş” Economic Society as part of the grant program under the regional project of the International Organization for Migration “Protection of Vulnerable Migrants with Special Focus on Empowerment of Women in the Context of Migration in Central Asia”.

The training participants covered the issues related to the diversity of social groups, multiple factors of women's vulnerability in the migration process, discrimination and gender stereotypes against women affected by migration, gender gaps, equality and justice, mechanisms for ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women and men in the countries of destination and origin.

A separate topic of discussion was the perception of the role of women in their families, taking into consideration the local mentality and traditions, the perception of returning migrant women by local communities, the position of women in the socio-cultural space, pervasive societal prejudices that shape perceptions of the role of women affected by migration.

In the main part of the training the participants discussed topics related to the signs of discrimination of migrant women, the work of national NGOs for provision of assistance to women who have been discriminated and stigmatized, as well as prospects of expanding social services for returning female migrants in vulnerable situations.

To increase the effectiveness of the training the participants were provided with handout materials on the myths and stereotypes about migrant women. They also watched thematic videos. Participants worked independently with the handout materials, analyzed cases and simulated situations for further discussion with the audience.

In the end of the training, the participants developed a map of gender stereotypes that provides a clearer picture of the most common gender stereotypes in a given community, and developed methods to influence the formation of values and public opinion regarding women affected by migration.

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The IOM regional project “Protection of Vulnerable Migrants with Special Emphasis on Empowerment of Women in the Context of Migration in Central Asia” aims to strengthen the resilience of migrants, especially women in vulnerable situations in the context of migration through their economic integration, promoting gender-equitable attitudes and behaviors towards women in the context of migration, and strengthening national responses to the vulnerability of migrants through coordination platforms and cooperation among all stakeholders. Under this project, IOM in partnership with civil society organizations supports a “shelter” for vulnerable populations affected by migration, two “hotlines” in the cities of Ashgabat and Turkmenabat and gender-sensitive reintegration assistance for voluntary returning migrants, including, among others, small grants for income-generating activities for persons in vulnerable situations.