On 26-27 March, the Regional Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue on “Advancing Gender Equality: Strengthening Legislative Frameworks to Ensure Progress on Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence” was held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The meeting was organized by the Asian Population and Development Association (APDA; Secretariat of JPFP) and the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD), in cooperation with the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Japan Trust Fund (JTF), and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).

The meeting brought together approximately 50 participants from nine countries, including parliamentarians from Central Asia, government officials, and representatives of UN agencies, civil society, and international organizations, who shared legislative challenges and practical experiences aimed at advancing women's rights and eliminating gender-based violence (GBV).

Discussions centered on the importance of aligning national legislation with international human rights standards, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Declaration, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants reaffirmed that parliaments serve as critical "architects of accountability" and "watchdogs," responsible for translating international commitments into domestic laws, ensuring predictable financing, and monitoring effective implementation. The dialogue emphasized that advancing gender equality through robust legal frameworks is fundamental to building stable and resilient societies.

The meeting addressed a wide range of challenges, including women’s economic empowerment, participation in decision-making, and the elimination of gender stereotypes. To accelerate progress, the use of Temporary Special Measures (TSMs), such as legislated electoral gender quotas, was highlighted as a transformative tool that has successfully increased women’s representation in several regions. Regarding GBV, participants discussed multi-sectoral response mechanisms, including protection orders, perpetrator programs, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for healthcare and law enforcement. The dialogue also focused on emerging threats, such as technology-facilitated violence—including cyberstalking and deepfakes—and the urgent need to provide clear legal definitions and criminalize such offenses.

Furthermore, the delegates exchanged views on the disparate impact of climate crises and conflicts on women and girls, noting that such emergencies increase risks of poverty and violence. Key recommendations from the dialogue included the comprehensive review of criminal, civil, and labor codes to criminalize all forms of GBV, including early and forced marriage. Participants also stressed the necessity of evidence-based policymaking through the enhanced use of statistics and research, as well as the importance of continuous collaboration between parliaments, women-led organizations, and international partners.