Mine Risk Education
Gender Mainstreaming in MRE
TMAC (Tajikistan Mine Action Center)
July 2008
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In July 2008, TMAC, thanks to the support of
Canadian Government, has initiated continuous
trainings on Gender in Mine Risk Education (MRE)
with the involvement of 80 national focal points
represented by local branches of Red Crescent, women
councils, department of emergency situation, local
authorities, teachers and medical employees. The aim
of these training were to increase gender
sensitivity in the frame work of the National
Program on MRE and provision of equal access to
education for mine/UXO safe behavior in 22 districts
of the country.
Gender mainstreaming efforts have been undertaken in
the field of MRE for a very short period in 22
districts of Tajikistan. The purpose of these
cascade trainings is
to develop gender awareness among governmental
structures and relevant local organizations related
to the national MRE movement. There were 44 female
and 34 male participants from these 22 districts who
took part in 5 training areas.
During this two-days training programme, the
participants found opportunity to share very
practical information on gender mainstreaming.
Introduction to the approach of gender mainstreaming
can contribute to identify resources, and
collaborate, to develop equal status and influence
to humanitarian MRE in our country.
After completion of the trainings, participants will
begin to use the knowledge they gained in their
respective areas in an effort to make the population
aware of the risk of mines/UXOs and cluster
munitions.
The principal objective of promoting gender
mainstreaming and gender balance in NMRE program is
to enhance the participation of vulnerable groups of
both sexes in MRE initiatives.
TMAC MRE staff undertakes field activities with
women, men and children and regularly holds
discussion sessions, workshops, round tables,
trainings and competitions to improve and/or change
their behavior against risk of mines/UXOs and
cluster munitions.
TMAC sincerely appreciates contribution of the
Canadian Government to support trainings and
participants’ involvement in the significant issue
of the gender mainstreaming in MRE. Insuring gender
equality in Mine Action has indeed proven to reduce
risk in the contaminated areas globally.
