On 19 September, the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development Association (AFPPD) and Asia Population and Development Association (APDA), together with the Parliament of Tajikistan, organized a hybrid meeting tilted “ICPD30: “Policymaking Initiatives to Address Gender-Based Violence in Central Asia” in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. This meeting was supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Japan Trust Fund (JTF) in cooperation with the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). The event brought together Members of Parliament, representatives of UNFPA, civil society, and experts online and offline. Hon. Prof. Takemi Keizo, Chair of AFPPD, sent a video message in which he emphasized the importance of appropriate legislation and policymaking in addressing population issues, including gender-based violence.

The essential services must continue to be provided even in times of emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and services for gender-based violence survivors as well as sexual reproductive health (SRH) services must be classified as essential services. The meeting affirmed that parliamentarians’ leadership is essential to ensure the rights and choices of all people based on a gender perspective.