ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan — From January 10 to March 8, 2026, a series of events was held in Ashgabat and all velayats of the country, aimed at popularizing healthy lifestyle, promoting family values, equal opportunities for men and women, and fostering respect for women and girls. The initiative was implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Turkmenistan in collaboration with the Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan and the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Physical Culture and Sports.
The program was organized at sports schools with the participation of public organizations, including “Yenme,” “Keyik Okara,” “Mashgala,” “Dap-dessur,” “Ynamly Durmush,” and the “Women’s Economic Society.” Men and boys , girls, and people with disabilities were actively engaged in the activities.
The campaign featured educational trainings on effective communication within couples, equal distribution of household responsibilities, and conflict resolution skills. Participants also took part in interactive sessions, including brain rings, discussions with young fathers, self-defense masterclasses, and sports competitions.
In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, two-day training workshops were held at sports schools in the cities of Tejen, Balkanabat, Dashoguz, and Turkmenabat. The program included educational sessions on gender equality in the family, meetings with psychologists, discussions of a thematic blog on gender role swap, and sports games designed to strengthen teamwork and mutual support among participants.
Social media awareness efforts complemented the in-person meetings, promoting the image of a modern man who actively participates in childcare and family life. This UNFPA initiative supports the implementation of current national priorities in gender equality, fostering a supportive atmosphere and conditions for the well-being of all members of society. ///nCa, 10 March 2026 (in cooperation with UNFPA Turkmenistan)