Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, ED, PRCCSF participated as a keynote speaker in the International Conference on “Women, Peace and Security: Problems and Development Prospects” held at Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

On 6th June 2023, Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), participated as a keynote speaker in the International Conference on "Women, Peace and Security: Problems and Development Prospects" held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The conference was organized by Kyrgyz Association of Women in the security sector. The main goal of the conference was to exchange knowledge, practices, and ideas for advancing women's peace and security agendas in diverse contexts. The international conference was attended by high-profile special representatives, experts from Kyrgyzstan, and institutions, i.e., the Organization for Security and Coordination in Europe. The various members of the law enforcement agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic attended the conference. Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram was the only foreign speaker at the conference.
The international conference was amid significant plenary sessions and interactive discussions. The inaugural session was moderated by Ms. Kaana Aidarkul, Chairperson of the Kyrgyz Association of Women in the Security Sector, member of the International Association Women Police, Doctor of Historical Science, Professor, Honored Worker of Education and police & retired police colonel and Ms. Shamshybek Mamyrov, Chairperson of the Supervisory Board of the Kyrgyz Association of Women in the Security Sector, Director of the Mobile Police Reception Local Police Association, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor, Honored Worker of Education and police & retired police colonel.
The speakers of inaugural session were as follows:
• Ms. Helga Maria Schnid, Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
• Ms. Temirbayava Mirgul Omurzakovona, Deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Deputies of the Kyrgyz Republic, Chairperson of the Forum of Women Deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic
• Mr. Ulan Omokanovich Niiazbekov, Minister of Interior of the Kyrgyz Republic
• Ms. Antje Grawe, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic
• Mr. Alexey Aleksandrovich Rogov, Head of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Programme Office in Bishkek
Conference participants discussed policies and practices for enhancing women's leadership, gender policy in law enforcement, mentoring as a tool to promote gender equality and ethnic representation in police, as well as police interaction with the population and the development of a culture of intolerance towards discrimination and gender-based violence.
They highlighted strategic planning and the organization of activities for implementing the Action Plan of the Kyrgyz Republic under Resolution No. 1325 of the United Nations Security Council entitled Women, Peace, and Security. Experts noted the level of representation of women in decision-making processes and implementing national agendas for gender equality put forward by the Kyrgyz Government. The participants also discussed achievements, obstacles in the implementation of the action plans at the national and local levels, the role of parliamentary oversight, and strengthening communications.
Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram emphasized the crucial need for gender-sensitive policies and practices in the recruitment, retention, and promotion of women in the security sector. Gender-sensitive policies can create an inclusive and supportive environment that values and respects women's contributions. He stressed that it is essential to recognize that diversity within the security sector brings immense benefits. By including more women in these roles, we tap into a broader range of perspectives, experiences, and skills.
He appreciated the role of the Kyrgyz Association of Women in the security sector in fostering a supportive environment for women in the security sector. Kyrgyz Association of Women's tireless dedication and unwavering commitment have played a pivotal role in empowering women and driving positive change.
In the end, he recommended the implementation of measures such as flexible working arrangements, mentorship programs, to empower women participation.
The speakers of other sessions were as follows:
• Ms. Julia Jaeger, First Vice President of the International Association Women Police
• Ms. Kaana Aidarkul, Chairperson of the International Association Women Police in the security sector
• Ms. Temirbayava Mirgul Omurzakovona, Deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Deputies of the Kyrgyz Republic, Chairperson of the Forum of Women Deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic
• Ms. Isakova Elmira Ashimbekavna, Deputy Head of the Legal Support Department of the Ministry of Interior of the Kyrgyz Republic
• Ms. Shamshybek Sabyrbekovich Mamyrov, Chairperson of the Supervisory Board of the Kyrgyz Association Women Police in the Security Sector
• Ms. Balgaky Abylovna Dosalieva, Executive Director of the Women’s Assistance Center Public Union, Jamilya Murzaevna Kaparova, Director of the Ensan Diamond Public Union