OSCE Strengthens Women’s Leadership in Central Asian Law Enforcement and Border Agencies through Regional Training-of-Trainers Programme

The OSCE Secretariat conducted a training-of-trainers programme for the members of the Regional Network of Women in Law Enforcement and Border Agencies of Central Asia (Regional Network). Organized in close co-operation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and with the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, the programme was held from 29 June to 3 July 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan. 

The training brought together women from law enforcement and border agencies from across Central Asia to strengthen their leadership, communication, and facilitation skills while enhancing their capacity to serve as trainers and mentors within their respective institutions on these very topics. The programme also aimed to reinforce regional co-operation and support the further development of the Regional Network as a platform for peer learning, knowledge-sharing and professional exchange.

“This significant regional event brings together women officers committed to collectively addressing shared security challenges. Effectively countering contemporary transnational threats demands joint solutions, close co-operation, as well as the continuous exchange of information and experience," noted Aidar Saitbekov, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in his opening remarks.

"By strengthening the capacities of women professionals and fostering regional co-operation, the Regional Network contributes not only to more inclusive and effective security institutions, but also to the broader objectives of the Women, Peace and Security agenda”, noted Ambassador Alexey Rogov, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana.

Kate Fearon, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre, highlighted that the meaningful inclusion of women in the security sector is not only a matter of representation, it is indispensable to the operational effectiveness, legitimacy and responsiveness of security institutions. She encouraged the Regional Network to continue its excellent work and further support women professionals across the region, contributing to lasting institutional change.

Lara Scarpitta, Senior Adviser on Gender Issues and Head of the Gender Issues Programme at the OSCE Secretariat, emphasized: "Gender equality represents a strategic imperative for effective security. Institutions that promote inclusion are stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to respond to today’s complex security challenges. Through this Training of Trainers, we are investing in women leaders who will drive lasting change, strengthen public trust, and help build more effective, inclusive, and accountable security institutions across Central Asia."

Throughout the week, participants explored modern facilitation techniques and adult learning methodologies, emotional intelligence and resilience, leadership development, gender-responsive communication, public speaking, media engagement. and personal branding. The programme also introduced participants to practical applications of artificial intelligence and digital tools to support professional learning and development.

“A woman leader opens doors not only for herself, but also for those who come after her. I want to be that woman - the one who paves the way for other women to succeed,” emphasized Zarina Alpysbyaeva, Senior Prosecutor, Department for the Co-ordination of Legislative Activities, Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan. “This Network gives me the opportunity to strengthen my leadership and facilitation skills, contribute to a supportive professional community, and empower other women to lead with confidence and create lasting change.”

Looking ahead, the initiative places a strong emphasis on sustainability and local ownership. Equipped with these advanced skills, members of the Regional Network will step into their roles as trainers to deliver tailored, cascade training sessions within their respective services, institutionalizing the knowledge gained.

The Regional Network is jointly supported by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department’s Border Security and Management Unit, the Gender Issues Programme through the WIN Project, the Conflict Prevention Centre's Security Sector Governance and Reform (SSGR) capacity-building project, and the five OSCE field operations in Central Asia.