Young Women 4 Peace: Stories about empowering new generations to lead change and promote stability in Central Asia

Around the world, women continue to pay a high price for conflicts and crises, including experiencing increased gender inequalities, gender-based violence and loss of income and livelihoods. In Central Asia, with over half of the population under 30, there is an urgency to elaborate and implement special policies supporting young women. In Afghanistan, women were forced to flee to neighbouring Central Asian countries, facing significant obstacles in obtaining access to education and work. Despite the immensity of the challenges they face, women continue to lead change. Young women in particular deserve greater recognition, because of the double obstacle of being both young and a woman.  Young women are a piece of peace. Security cannot be built without them.

To accelerate action to make this happen, in 2024 the Young Women For Peace Initiative Central Asia was launched to leverage opportunities for peace.  18 exceptional young women from Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan bring diverse expertise in climate action, digital innovation, conflict resolution, and community engagement—all essential tools for modern peacebuilding.

Implemented under the OSCE Gender Issues Programme’s "WIN for women and men – strengthening comprehensive security through innovating and networking for gender equality", this programme goes beyond traditional capacity building. It creates a dynamic ecosystem where young women leaders can thrive, innovate, and lead change. The Initiative is funded by the European Union and covers all five Central Asia states.

Here’s what some of the participants had to say about their experiences with the Programme:

Networking

Promoting women’s networks is vital. They offer a safe space where women can express their ideas and fulfil their leadership potential, equipping them with the skills, connections and opportunities to bring changes in their communities.

The Programme helped women to come together behind borders and join forces to promote gender equality. It is essential to continue opening such opportunities to Afghan women, benefitting the whole Central Asia region.

Young engagement

Excluding youth from climate negotiations is strategically shortsighted. We need climate justice and this starts with having a set at the table.

Collaborative approaches

Young professionals across Central Asia are building bridges through science, dialogue, and co-operation. Thanks to networks, youth and especially young women are stepping into decision-making spaces, advocating for climate justice and regional solidarity.

Innovation

Technology provides women with public space to reach out, be heard and be seen. It creates a sense of community across the region, despite the physical distances. The Programme showcases how new technologies can leveraged for peace and bridge the gap.

Peacebuilding

In my own experience, I’ve seen how the OSCE builds capacity and creates space for collaboration—even in sensitive contexts. When they support local actors and engage youth, they help turn environmental dialogue into a sustainable peace process.