Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 2:00pm
Location: Off Campus Location
Organized By: Veteran and Military Services

What do students who have served in the military think about their experiences at U-M? What made them join the military? What did they do while they were in the military? These are just some of the questions you will hear answered by a group of students who have served in the US military and are now studying at the University of Michigan!

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 2:00pm
Location:
Organized By: University Career Center

We are excited to inform you that we will be hosting a Sanitation Facilities Construction Virtual Career Fair Event, on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 2:00 pm (ET) - 3:00 pm (ET). This presents a great opportunity for us to engage with talented candidates who are eager to learn more about our organization and potential careeropportunities. Thank you and we look forward to meeting with you! Thank you. SFC Hiring Team

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 12:30pm
Location: LSA Building
Organized By: Department of Sociology

Fall 2024 Semester Line-Up:

9/19: Lanora Johnson, "Car Accidents & Disability in Rural Kentucky"

10/3: Spencer Allen, "Disparities and Implications of Survey Measurement Error: NSF GRFP Proposal"

10/10: Jane Furey, "The Consequences of Racialized Education Careers"

10/31: Janet Wang, "Overqualification across the life course"

11/14: Davis Daumler, "Changing Marriage Patterns and the Shifting Foundation of Wealth"

11/21: Junchao Tang, "A Mirrored Equalizer? An Assessment of Boarding Institution and STS-based Achievement Gap"

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 12:00pm
Location: Off Campus Location
Organized By: Veteran and Military Services

Since WWI and before, women have served vital supportive roles in the U.S. military. Now women are serving along side their male counterparts in some of the most dangerous work in the military. Often they have to overcome sexist stereotypes, sexual harassment or worse all while serving their country. Come and hear their stories of perseverance, grit and courage when they honorably served in the U.S. military.

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 12:00pm
Location: Off Campus Location
Organized By: Disability Equity Office

Spend an hour or a few minutes with the accessibility specialists of ECRT's Disability Equity Office to ask any questions related to reasonable accommodations, the interactive process, general accessibility at U-M, and more! Break-out rooms will be available for those who wish to ask their questions privately. If you need accommodations to participate in this drop-in session, please email the ADA Coordinator at ADAcoordinator@umich.edu.

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 10:00am
Location: Off Campus Location
Organized By: Veteran and Military Services

Since 1778 when Lieutenant Gotthold Frederick Enslin became the 1st servicemember dismissed from the military for homosexuality, persons who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender have faced discrimination in the military. Since the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" LGBTQ+ service members have been allowed to serve openly in the US military and federal benefits have been extended to cover their dependents. Come hear veterans talk about their service, sacrifice and discrimination they faced while serving their country.

The internet studies scholar holds the David O. Sears Presidential Chair in Social Sciences.

Elon Musk will co-lead a newly created Department of Government Efficiency in the Trump administration, president-elect Trump said late Tuesday. According to Trump’s press statement, the Department of Government Efficiency will […]

Oxbox’s new line of products for use with the refrigerant R-454B represents a crucial step in the company’s efforts to protect the climate and reduce HFC emissions, the company said.

GDI Integrated Facility Services Inc. announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Ainsworth Inc., a subsidiary of CEDA International Corp. Ainsworth is a Canadian provider of a range of technical services including mechanical maintenance, HVACR, electrical, and more.

GDI Integrated Facility Services Inc. announced that it has completed the acquisition of Ainsworth Inc., a subsidiary of CEDA International Corp. The acquisition unites GDI’s cross-Canada commercial janitorial services platform with Ainsworth’s cross-Canada HVACR, mechanical, electrical, and technical services business.

GDI Integrated Facility Services Inc. has announced the appointment of Stéphane Lavigne, CPA, as senior vice president and chief financial officer. Lavigne was most recently with IPL Inc., where he was executive vice president and CFO, and president and CEO following the sale of the company.

The FireBird Fury features 750 CFM of airflow for a safe temperature rise and maximum heat circulation. With its integrated 12” inlet and outlet duct connections and included remote thermostat, the Firebird Fury can effectively deliver heat and control temperature even into remote or inaccessible spaces.

FLSmidth will be the largest customer of the new plant, which will serve as a comprehensive hub for the company’s warehousing and packaging needs, including dangerous-goods-certified solutions.

The October jobs report from Australia was not as strong as we have become accustomed to:

• Australian October unemployment rate 4.1% (vs. 4.1% expected)

It was not a poor report, just not another blockbuster!

AUD/USD is not a lot changed. Earlier we had Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Bullock sounding not dovish:

• RBA Bullock says rates are restrictive enough, staying there until confident on inflation

The OSCE Office in Tajikistan on 24 July 2016 organized the first regional forum for promoting women’s political participation in Khujand, with the aim of increasing community outreach, engaging women leaders in the region and supporting women’s empowerment in political and public life.

The forum brought together 40 experts from political parties, local authorities, international organizations and civil society members, and is designed as a platform for dialogue between women politicians and communities. They will work to motivate young girls who aspire to become leaders or hold decision-making positions in public life, and aim to gain support from communities and local authorities for the advancement of women in political life.

“Our project aims to build strong support for women leaders, to tackle gender stereotypes, to surface and articulate the aspirations, choices and skills of women and girls of Tajikistan, so that they can realize their full potential in public and political life,” said Vesna Ivanovikj-Castarede, Head of the Democratization Unit at the OSCE Office. 

Shanjeev Thiruchelvam, OSCE Field Officer in Khujand, said: “Both male and female community leaders, politicians and civil society representatives have expressed keen interest in the continued work of the Sughd Women's Forum, which recognizes, and aims to provide opportunities to develop female leadership in Sughd public life.”

Similar forums are to be organized across the country. 

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• OSCE Office in Tajikistan support Garm’s local authorities in strengthening referral mechanisms for protecting domestic violence victims
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan presents recommendations from the Customs Code Integrity Assessment
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan holds workshop to improve local referral mechanisms for protection of domestic violence victims in Sughd region

A mentoring training programme for women politicians was launched by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan on 1 August 2016 in Dushanbe and will see experienced women politicians cascading their knowledge, provide guidance, support and reassurance to younger women in politics.

The training programme is a part of the women's political participation project, which addresses the needs of women politicians active in seven official political parties in Tajikistan.

“Political mentoring is a very important tool to promote and increase the role of women in public and political life,” said Acting Head of OSCE Office in Tajikistan Fabio Piana. “Based on the expressed needs by the political parties, the Office stands ready to continue providing support in this area.”

At the end of this week’s five-day training course, teams of mentors and mentees will be created.  

Vesna Ivanovikj-Castarede, Head of the OSCE Democratization Unit and the project leader, said: “We have identified active, committed and devoted women politicians in Tajikistan who wish to further empower other women in the country and are ready to become mentors to the peers in their political parties.”

The trainer Dr. Alenka Verbole said women are the key actors in political life of their countries and yet they are often under-represented and their voices do not get heard enough. “Mentoring will certainly strengthen women's political identity and confidence.”

Other similar courses for the political parties with inclusion of men will follow towards the end of 2016.

Related Stories

• OSCE Office in Tajikistan organizes first regional forum for promoting women’s political participation in Khujand
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan support Garm’s local authorities in strengthening referral mechanisms for protecting domestic violence victims
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan presents recommendations from the Customs Code Integrity Assessment

Awards recognizing best practices in local governance in Montenegro’s municipalities over the course of this year were presented at a ceremony organized on 28 December 2015 in Podgorica by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro in co-operation with the Union of Municipalities and the Ministry of Interior.

The annual Awards, now in their eighth year, are open to all local government units and allow them to showcase successful and innovative solutions and initiatives in providing services to their citizens.

Opening the award ceremony, Chairperson of the Executive Board of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro and Mayor of Cetinje, Aleksandar Bogdanović, said the Awards were the product of the excellent co-operation of national authorities, local government and international organizations with the aim of supporting sustainable development at the local level.

Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission Dan Redford said: “The OSCE Mission to Montenegro has always and will continue to support each and every effort of local governance units in Montenegro to enhance principles of good governance in their communities. These are of fundamental importance because local government is closest to citizens and provides them with essential services. Our goal has always been to mobilize and stimulate action by local stakeholders so that the citizens may benefit from good democratic governance at the local level, through the continuously improving quality of local public services.”

General Director of Directorate for State and Local Authorities in the Ministry of Interior Dragana Ranitović said this programme is of great importance for local governance units as it enables the sharing of best practices among municipalities and that it could be expanded further to facilitate bilateral cross-border co-operation.

The winners of this year’s Awards are:

• Žabljak Municipality for its economical financial practices;
• Budva Municipality for its effective human resources management through an electronic personnel recording system;
• Petnjica Municipality for establishing institutional models to enhance co-operation with citizens and the diaspora;
• Bijelo Polje Municipality for its work in economically empowering women;
• Berane Municipality for establishing a Secretariat for Sports, Culture, Youth and Co-operation with NGOs, and a Youth Council.

Berane Municipality also received a special award for introducing a more efficient accounting management system for budget spending, and for establishing the post of an Internal controller.

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• OSCE Mission to Montenegro supports seminar on strengthening co-operation between prosecutors and police on forensic evidence
• OSCE Mission to Montenegro and Montenegrin parliament hosted meeting of Secretaries General of Western Balkans parliaments

By OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier

Today we celebrate a significant milestone for Montenegro and its people. A decade ago, the country restored its independence. At the same time, Montenegro also joined the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which with 57 participating States is the largest regional security organization worldwide.

By becoming a full-fledged OSCE participating State, and by inviting an OSCE field mission into the country, Montenegro entrusted the OSCE with important responsibilities to assist the country’s development. Hand in hand with Montenegro’s young state institutions and civil society, we embarked on responding to the country’s evolving needs with great enthusiasm.

Evolving democracy

I am proud that we have been able to make a substantial contribution towards further advancing the country’s democratic reform process. Through the hard work and energies of our Montenegrin partners, we can now see that these efforts have borne results and delivered tangible benefits for Montenegrin citizens.

The responsibility displayed in overcoming the recent political crisis is important above all for the people of this country but it is also a positive signal that resonates in the wider region. Political leaders managed to bridge their differences by reaching a compromise that will serve the public interest. It showed us that a crisis can turn into an opportunity.

With strong leadership to success

Leadership, a long-term vision and willingness to compromise will all be greatly needed in the coming months to ensure full implementation of all adopted laws and agreements, thereby creating a level playing field for the parliamentary elections scheduled for this autumn. The elections will be an important test for the country. At present, the Mission to Montenegro is providing technical assistance to the State Election Commission, who will play a key role in the administration of the coming elections.

Public trust requires commitment

Full implementation of necessary laws is vital, particularly in countering transnational threats, strengthening the rule of law and protecting media freedoms. That is where the OSCE can help. We will continue providing assistance in the implementation of many aspects of the reform process in accordance with our mandate. The OSCE, as a strategic partner, can continue to assist Montenegro in developing strong and independent institutions that enjoy wide public trust. Key changes need time, dedication and commitment by all stakeholders.

Diversity and pluralism a key objective

Looking at the broader international context, we see mounting challenges and a complex security environment. Armed conflict is once again a reality on European soil. Unprecedented waves of refugees and migrants continue to test the unity of the international community, and extremist movements continue to promote radical ideologies that threaten dialogue and peaceful coexistence. In these challenging circumstances, building and empowering diverse and pluralistic communities is fundamental, as is the promotion of dialogue and tolerance.  

These challenges show how volatile stability can be and how crises can escalate into violent conflict. Particularly in times of growing tensions, they also underscore the importance of the OSCE’s unique role as a platform for dialogue and as a driver for joint action.

Regional security – Montenegrin security

Only last year, the OSCE marked the 40th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, which is the foundation of our security order and the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security. It is thanks to this heritage that the OSCE Mission to Montenegro has become engaged in many diverse activities, from destroying heavy weapons and unsafe and obsolete military ammunition to supporting the rule of law, democratic policing and good governance, or enhancing environmental awareness and security.

We are pleased with what the OSCE has accomplished not only in Montenegro, but across the Western Balkans. The Organization has played an important role in post-conflict rehabilitation, promoting human rights and building democratic institutions. We have not acted alone but in co-operation with our national and international partners. We believe that strong partnerships offer the best guarantee for broad participation, effectiveness and our joint success.

Legitimate aspirations of today – concrete realities of tomorrow

We commend Montenegro’s achievements, its commitment to further democratic progress, and its role as a recognized factor for stability in the region. Working closely with the Montenegrin authorities and citizens, the OSCE will further develop its role as a partner that is responsive to the country’s evolving strategic priorities. We stand ready to support Montenegro as it continues to progress along the path of reform, where the legitimate aspirations of today can become the concrete realities of tomorrow. 

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• OSCE Secretary General Zannier encourages all parties in Montenegro to engage constructively on full implementation of April political agreement
• The South East European Cooperation Process Summit
• Strong multilateral institutions, confidence-building instruments key in addressing divisions, say participants of OSCE Security Days in Berlin

PODGORICA, 12 July  2016 - OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier concluded today a two-day visit to Montenegro, marking the 10th anniversary of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro. “After independence, this country entrusted the OSCE with an important responsibility: to help advance security, democracy, the rule of law and human rights for Montenegrin citizens,” Zannier said.  

During his visit, the Secretary General met with President Filip Vujanovic, Parliament Speaker Darko Pajovic, Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, Deputy Prime Minister Dusko Markovic and Minister of Interior Goran Danilovic, as well as representatives of civil society.

Zannier commended the Montenegrin authorities for their commitment to undertaking reforms and encouraged further progress, offering OSCE’s continued support in line with national priorities. “The OSCE remains one of the country’s key partners in helping to further develop independent, open and transparent institutions that enjoy wide public trust,” he stated.

Discussing preparations for the parliamentary elections on 16 October, the Secretary General commended the sense of responsibility already demonstrated by political parties in overcoming the recent political crisis through a broad political agreement adopted last April, which was important, above all, for the Montenegrin people.

“Political leaders managed to successfully bridge their differences by reaching a compromise, one that aims to serve the public interest,” said Zannier. “Now we need to see this agreement implemented in full, and in good faith.”

During his meetings, the Secretary General stated that the parliamentary elections will be an important test for the country, adding that the Mission to Montenegro is providing technical assistance to the State Election Commission until the end of 2016. “All actors involved in the preparation of elections should work together as closely as possible in line with their responsibilities as set out in the law. This is vital for having a credible election,” Zannier concluded.

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• Hand in Hand with Montenegro – Stability and Co-operation for Success
• On World Anti-Trafficking Day, OSCE calls for comprehensive, co-ordinated and victim-centred approach to combatting modern-day slavery
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DUSHANBE, 15 June 2016 – A three-day regional trade facilitation and border management workshop gathering senior trade and customs officials from UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) countries Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan concluded today at the Border Management Staff College in Dushanbe. 

The workshop was co-organized by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, and the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Trade Division.

“This workshop enabled participants to exchange national experiences and explore the scope for closer co-operation at the regional level. Trade facilitation is a key condition for the economic development of Central Asia,” said Martin Rossmann, Senior Economic and Environmental Officer at the OSCE Office in Tajikistan

The practice-oriented and interactive workshop combined expert presentations, roundtable discussions and group work. It aimed at equipping participants with an array of tools and approaches needed for the simplification and harmonization of procedures for international trade.

Roel Janssens, Economic Adviser at the OSCE Secretariat said: “Landlocked developing countries, in this region, and elsewhere, face higher trade transaction costs due to complexities of multimodal transportation and the multiple border-crossings, transit arrangements and documentation requirements involved.  The challenge for countries along Euro-Asian trade corridors is to turn this geographical challenge into an opportunity.”

Particular attention was paid to implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in the region; the establishment of National Trade Facilitation Committees; and the development of a roadmap for implementing comprehensive trade facilitation reforms. All of this in support of governments’ efforts to reduce delays at border-crossings and speed up customs clearance, transit, import, and export procedures.  Participants also learnt about the development of Authorised Economic Operator programmes and tools aimed at improving inter-agency cooperation both domestically and internationally.

Mario Apostolov, Regional Adviser at the UNECE said: “Trade facilitation is not just a matter of one agency but can only be successful when adopting a ‘whole of government’ approach where customs and border authorities, trade and transport ministries as well as private sector and other relevant actors coordinate their tasks, conduct joint controls and exchange documents and data.”   

On the second day of the workshop, the participants paid a study visit to the Tursunzade border crossing-point between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

A group of eight women politicians from all registered political parties in Tajikistan, including a member of parliament, paid a visit to Albania from 2 to 8 April 2016 to strengthen inter-regional co-operation and share experiences on empowering women in political life. The visit was jointly organized by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan and the OSCE Presence in Albania.

"One of the main goals of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan is to promote gender equality and to further support Tajik women leaders, as well as to create new opportunities for learning, exchange of experience and networking for women at all levels of political and public life,” said  Markus Mueller, Head of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan “This jointly organized high-level working visit will help women politicians and parliamentarians from both countries to learn from each other’s experiences, to grow stronger and reach their full potential."

The delegation met with the Speaker of Albania’s Assembly, representatives of the Alliance of Women Members of Parliament, three women members of the Albanian government, the Chair of the Central Election Commission, women mayors of Roskovec and Patos, and members of the National Platform of Women – an informal voluntary network of around 500 women from political parties and civil society established by the OSCE Presence.

On 6 April, they participated in the launch of the second edition of the “Empowering women in politics” brochure – a collection of interviews with successful women politicians in Albania published by the Presence.

Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania,  Florian Raunig, said: "In the OSCE we believe passionately in the importance of women's participation in political and public life, and we will continue to work at all levels - from national legislation to grass root activism - to promote it. I would encourage women politicians to co-operate and compromise across party lines."

This is the second time the OSCE field operations in Tajikistan and Albania co-operate on supporting women’s advancement in the political life in Tajikistan. In December 2015, the Office in co-ordination with the Presence organized a roundtable in Dushanbe aimed at empowering Tajik women politicians. 

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ELBASAN, Albania, 17 May 2016 – The OSCE Presence in Albania, with support from the German government, yesterday in Elbasan hosted a performance of a play reflecting on Albania’s totalitarian past.

The play, “They enter without knocking”, centres on a couple waiting for the police to come to their door to take them to prison - or worse - for reasons unknown. A packed audience of around 300 people watched the performance, which evoked the atmosphere of fear and constant surveillance that reigned under the former totalitarian regime.

“Although it is never easy to talk about a painful past, society needs to engage in a conversation about the crimes of the past, and art is one way of stimulating such dialogue, because it speaks to us on so many levels,” said Ambassador Florian Raunig, Head of the OSCE Presence. “This should be entirely an Albanian process; we are only providing the framework for this dialogue to take place.”

The OSCE Presence and the German Embassy launched the project to foster a national dialogue on Albania’s totalitarian past a year ago. Under the “We start talking” motto, the Presence has so far facilitated discussions among high school students, a series of TV debates hosted by the public broadcaster and a nationwide survey about the public's knowledge, perceptions and expectations for dialogue regarding the totalitarian past in Albania.

“They enter without knocking” was previously staged in Shkodra, as part of the project, and will be performed another three times in different cities around Albania over the course of this year.  

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OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors visited Croatia from 9 to 10 May 2016. During her visit, Thors focused on promoting the effective implementation of the Constitutional Act on the Rights of National Minorities, in particular the provisions regarding languages and scripts; on education matters; and, on issues pertaining to national minorities and good neighbourly relations.

Concerned that marginalizing or stigmatizing national minorities poses a threat to the cohesion of society and to bilateral relations, Thors urged the systematic condemnation of discriminatory rhetoric or conduct.

“Divisive rhetoric has proven a dangerous path. The more diversity, the richer a society is, as different cultures are the shared wealth of all,” Thors said. “It is crucial to foster a sense of belonging for all members of society in order to effectively promote the integration process,” she added. Thors called for ensuring the protection of the rights of national minorities whilst avoiding polarization of the society along ethnic lines, consistent with The Ljubljana Guidelines on the Integration of Diverse Societies, published by HCNM in 2012.

The High Commissioner also emphasized the need for a renewed dialogue between all political and social actors to overcome difficulties, including those related to the protection of minority rights, in a consultative manner. In this context, Thors welcomed the thorough process of the curricular reform and reiterated her support to teaching of a common curriculum, regardless of the instruction language, as an effective way to integrate diverse societies and provide for common points of understanding.

Thors was encouraged by the prospect of further co-operation with Croatian institutions. She also welcomed the attention given to the existing joint bilateral inter-governmental commissions. “Co-ordination of efforts with neighbouring countries in this field and the active role played by all ministries under the auspices of the State Office of Croats Abroad could consolidate the shared European aspirations in the neighbourhood,” Thors noted.

The High Commissioner met a variety of key interlocutors in Zagreb. These included Zdravka Bušić, Deputy Foreign Minister; Dubravka Jurlina Alibegović, Minister of Public Administration; Predrag Šustar, Minister of Science, Education and Sports; Furio Radin, Milorad Pupovac, Ivan Radić, and Marko Sladojev, Chairperson and members of the Parliamentary Committee on Human and National Minority Rights, respectively; Aleksandar Tolnauer, President of the Council for National Minorities; Lora Vidović, Ombudsman; Branko Sočana, Director of the Government Office for Human Rights and Rights of the National Minorities; and Zvonko Milas, Head of the State Office for Croats Abroad.

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• Language rights, participation, security and access to justice fundamental to welfare of communities in Kosovo, says High Commissioner Thors
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The OSCE Office in Tajikistan on 24 July 2016 organized the first regional forum for promoting women’s political participation in Khujand, with the aim of increasing community outreach, engaging women leaders in the region and supporting women’s empowerment in political and public life.

The forum brought together 40 experts from political parties, local authorities, international organizations and civil society members, and is designed as a platform for dialogue between women politicians and communities. They will work to motivate young girls who aspire to become leaders or hold decision-making positions in public life, and aim to gain support from communities and local authorities for the advancement of women in political life.

“Our project aims to build strong support for women leaders, to tackle gender stereotypes, to surface and articulate the aspirations, choices and skills of women and girls of Tajikistan, so that they can realize their full potential in public and political life,” said Vesna Ivanovikj-Castarede, Head of the Democratization Unit at the OSCE Office. 

Shanjeev Thiruchelvam, OSCE Field Officer in Khujand, said: “Both male and female community leaders, politicians and civil society representatives have expressed keen interest in the continued work of the Sughd Women's Forum, which recognizes, and aims to provide opportunities to develop female leadership in Sughd public life.”

Similar forums are to be organized across the country. 

Related Stories

• OSCE Office in Tajikistan support Garm’s local authorities in strengthening referral mechanisms for protecting domestic violence victims
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan presents recommendations from the Customs Code Integrity Assessment
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan holds workshop to improve local referral mechanisms for protection of domestic violence victims in Sughd region

A mentoring training programme for women politicians was launched by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan on 1 August 2016 in Dushanbe and will see experienced women politicians cascading their knowledge, provide guidance, support and reassurance to younger women in politics.

The training programme is a part of the women's political participation project, which addresses the needs of women politicians active in seven official political parties in Tajikistan.

“Political mentoring is a very important tool to promote and increase the role of women in public and political life,” said Acting Head of OSCE Office in Tajikistan Fabio Piana. “Based on the expressed needs by the political parties, the Office stands ready to continue providing support in this area.”

At the end of this week’s five-day training course, teams of mentors and mentees will be created.  

Vesna Ivanovikj-Castarede, Head of the OSCE Democratization Unit and the project leader, said: “We have identified active, committed and devoted women politicians in Tajikistan who wish to further empower other women in the country and are ready to become mentors to the peers in their political parties.”

The trainer Dr. Alenka Verbole said women are the key actors in political life of their countries and yet they are often under-represented and their voices do not get heard enough. “Mentoring will certainly strengthen women's political identity and confidence.”

Other similar courses for the political parties with inclusion of men will follow towards the end of 2016.

Related Stories

• OSCE Office in Tajikistan organizes first regional forum for promoting women’s political participation in Khujand
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan support Garm’s local authorities in strengthening referral mechanisms for protecting domestic violence victims
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan presents recommendations from the Customs Code Integrity Assessment

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors visited Croatia from 9 to 10 May 2016. During her visit, Thors focused on promoting the effective implementation of the Constitutional Act on the Rights of National Minorities, in particular the provisions regarding languages and scripts; on education matters; and, on issues pertaining to national minorities and good neighbourly relations.

Concerned that marginalizing or stigmatizing national minorities poses a threat to the cohesion of society and to bilateral relations, Thors urged the systematic condemnation of discriminatory rhetoric or conduct.

“Divisive rhetoric has proven a dangerous path. The more diversity, the richer a society is, as different cultures are the shared wealth of all,” Thors said. “It is crucial to foster a sense of belonging for all members of society in order to effectively promote the integration process,” she added. Thors called for ensuring the protection of the rights of national minorities whilst avoiding polarization of the society along ethnic lines, consistent with The Ljubljana Guidelines on the Integration of Diverse Societies, published by HCNM in 2012.

The High Commissioner also emphasized the need for a renewed dialogue between all political and social actors to overcome difficulties, including those related to the protection of minority rights, in a consultative manner. In this context, Thors welcomed the thorough process of the curricular reform and reiterated her support to teaching of a common curriculum, regardless of the instruction language, as an effective way to integrate diverse societies and provide for common points of understanding.

Thors was encouraged by the prospect of further co-operation with Croatian institutions. She also welcomed the attention given to the existing joint bilateral inter-governmental commissions. “Co-ordination of efforts with neighbouring countries in this field and the active role played by all ministries under the auspices of the State Office of Croats Abroad could consolidate the shared European aspirations in the neighbourhood,” Thors noted.

The High Commissioner met a variety of key interlocutors in Zagreb. These included Zdravka Bušić, Deputy Foreign Minister; Dubravka Jurlina Alibegović, Minister of Public Administration; Predrag Šustar, Minister of Science, Education and Sports; Furio Radin, Milorad Pupovac, Ivan Radić, and Marko Sladojev, Chairperson and members of the Parliamentary Committee on Human and National Minority Rights, respectively; Aleksandar Tolnauer, President of the Council for National Minorities; Lora Vidović, Ombudsman; Branko Sočana, Director of the Government Office for Human Rights and Rights of the National Minorities; and Zvonko Milas, Head of the State Office for Croats Abroad.

Related Stories

• Language rights, participation, security and access to justice fundamental to welfare of communities in Kosovo, says High Commissioner Thors
• OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities holds fifth regional summer school on multilingual and multicultural education in Central Asia
• High Commissioner Thors, in her OSCE Permanent Council address, discusses country engagement and highlights the increase in hate speech targeting national minorities

New approaches to unleashing and mobilizing the potential of female leadership and the role of men as partners in achieving gender equality were the focuses of the International Forum of Women Leaders "Equal Opportunities for a Better Future", co-organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in Minsk on 21 and 22 June 2016.

More than 100 participants from 21 OSCE participating States, including representatives from all of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, discussed the possibilities for creating networks for women’s empowerment, explored ways of institutionalizing gender analysis, and outlined good practices for promoting women’s roles and influence in politics. A Minsk Declaration of Women Leaders was also adopted, acknowledging the main obstacles in reaching gender equality and calling for action to challenge the status quo.

The forum was co-organized with Belarusian State University, Council of Europe Information Point in Minsk, the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Belarus, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Belarus, and Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.

"All actors, from political parties to governmental structures, should think about how they can involve women and create gender-sensitive platforms where women can substantively contribute on an equal footing with men," said Marcin Walecki, Head of ODIHR’s Democratization Department.

Elena Shamal, a Member of the House of Representatives of Belarus National Assembly, said: "The 2015 Global Gender Gap Report of the World Economic Forum points out that there is not a single state in the world that could provide absolute gender equality. Today’s Forum has once again underlined the need to strengthen international, state and public co-operation for further promoting women’s participation in political and public life."

Nadezda Shvedova, of the Russian Academy of Science, said: "To achieve gender equality, we need to enhance co-operation in the OSCE area and the CIS region, in particular. We are calling for the establishment of regional networks of women leaders and women’s organizations to further advance women’s participation in political and public life, for the benefit of all."

This forum was organized as part of ODIHR’s programme to advance women’s political participation in the OSCE region, and with the support of the Belarus Ministries of Labour and Social Protection and of Foreign Affairs.

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Reforming political party legislation in Ukraine was the focus of an expert workshop in Kyiv on 6 and 7 July 2016, jointly organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), the Ukrainian civil society organizations Agency for Legislative Initiatives (ALI) and the Civil Network "OPORA". The event was hosted by the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.

More than 80 experts, including representatives of the Ukrainian parliament, government, academia and civil society organizations, discussed trends and challenges in political party regulation, highlighting good practices and lessons learned over the past two decades, and contextualizing the reforms and challenges of the Ukrainian legislative framework in broader regional and international experience.

"Political parties are facing significant challenges in their ability to represent citizens and promote political participation across OSCE participating States," said Marcin Walecki, Head of ODIHR Democratization Department. "Transparency in party procedures and financing sources, their level of inclusiveness towards under-represented groups, and their ability to use new media to promote communication and accountability are all indispensable elements to ensure political pluralism and a vigorous democracy."

Sergii Leshchenko, Member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, said: "Political parties in Ukraine suffer from low levels of trust, affecting the legitimacy of the entire institutional framework. Following last year’s workshop, this meeting represents an opportunity to continue the discussion with international and local experts on the political party legislation implemented in Ukraine and opportunities for reform."

The Workshop also addressed the issue of inclusiveness in political parties, looking into the promotion of women and persons with disabilities in policies and party structures.

In a video message from Judith E. Heumann, Special Advisor for International Disability Rights in the United States’ State Department, said: "Participating States should support political participation of persons with disabilities in political parties across the OSCE region."

Following the workshop, 20 Ukrainian journalists, media and civil society representatives will participate in a one-day training event on Money in Politics, offering a general overview of the issue of political party and campaign financing, and focusing on the findings of the workshop and detailed aspects of the political party legislation adopted in Ukraine.

The workshop and the subsequent training workshop were organized within the framework of ODIHR’s project on "Strengthening dialogue among civil society and with key government stakeholders in Ukraine".

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The OSCE Office in Tajikistan on 24 July 2016 organized the first regional forum for promoting women’s political participation in Khujand, with the aim of increasing community outreach, engaging women leaders in the region and supporting women’s empowerment in political and public life.

The forum brought together 40 experts from political parties, local authorities, international organizations and civil society members, and is designed as a platform for dialogue between women politicians and communities. They will work to motivate young girls who aspire to become leaders or hold decision-making positions in public life, and aim to gain support from communities and local authorities for the advancement of women in political life.

“Our project aims to build strong support for women leaders, to tackle gender stereotypes, to surface and articulate the aspirations, choices and skills of women and girls of Tajikistan, so that they can realize their full potential in public and political life,” said Vesna Ivanovikj-Castarede, Head of the Democratization Unit at the OSCE Office. 

Shanjeev Thiruchelvam, OSCE Field Officer in Khujand, said: “Both male and female community leaders, politicians and civil society representatives have expressed keen interest in the continued work of the Sughd Women's Forum, which recognizes, and aims to provide opportunities to develop female leadership in Sughd public life.”

Similar forums are to be organized across the country. 

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