SEESAC contributed to the OSCE Annual Security Review Conference

SEESAC contributed to the Annual Security Review Conference of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe held on 28 June 2017 in Vienna. During the Side Event dedicated to mainstreaming gender in OSCE projects on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) control, SEESAC Gender Officer presented main challenges and policy responses on gender and SALW control in South East Europe.

During the event, a panel of experts and practitioners shared information on ways how gender perspective is integrated in SALW control project

“Gender concerns are not recognized as important policy issues that need to be adequately tackled”, Gender Officer told the meeting. He explained that low recognition of gender differences in SALW ownership and use and misuse contrast with the highly-gendered effects of SALW.

The Annual Security Review Conference (ASRC) offered a framework for enhancing security dialogue and for reviewing security work undertaken by the OSCE and its participating States. It was an opportunity to promote the exchange of information and co-operation with relevant international and regional organizations and institutions.

SEESAC is working on providing support to authorities of SEE in integrating the gender perspective into SALW control policies with focus on domestic violence through the European Union Council Decision 2016/2356, with the aim to increase effectiveness of these policies and ensure that their implementation improves security for both women and me.