Project
WIN for Women and Men. Strengthening comprehensive security through innovating and networking for gender equality
Quick links
- Project period:
- 1/07/2019 - ongoing
- Implemented by:
- OSCE Secretary General Gender Issues Programme, OSCE Secretariat
- Fields of work:
- Gender equality
Overview
The OSCE is committed to advancing gender equality as an essential element of comprehensive security.
The WIN Project (WIN for Women and Men - Strengthening comprehensive security through innovating and networking for gender equality) is a catalyst project that aims to accelerate the implementation of the 2004 Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality and to support OSCE participating States in strengthening gender equality as a key aspect of comprehensive security, making a difference in the lives of people across the region and beyond.
In 2019-2025, WIN phase I launched several impactful initiatives to fast-forward the OSCE commitments on gender equality across all three dimensions.
In September 2025, the WIN Project entered its second phase, building on the achievements of Phase I, which launched new networks leveraging women’s leadership for security, strengthened institutions, and supported women and girls across the OSCE region. Phase II continues this work while responding to emerging challenges such as conflict-related violence, technology-facilitated abuse, climate and natural resource pressures, and the need for disability-inclusive responses. The project also maintains a strong focus on Ukraine, working with civil society and state institutions to support inclusive recovery and reconstruction.
WIN delivers its impact through three interconnected pillars that reflect the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security:
- Eliminating Violence Against Women and Girls
- Women, Peace and Security
- Economic and Environmental Activities
Through targeted assistance, capacity-building and partnerships at local, national and regional levels, the WIN Project helps participating States strengthen gender equality, supports women as drivers of positive change, and contributes to a more inclusive, resilient and secure OSCE region.
In the new phase, the WIN Project will continue to support women peacebuilders in Ukraine through funding, consultations and capacity-building.
Detailed information on project donors, overall strategy and expected results can be found on the project outline page.
Initiatives
Activities implemented under the project
OSCE Networking Platform for Women Leaders including Peacebuilders and Mediators
OSCE Women’s Peace Leadership Programme
Kelly Petillo during the kick-off week of the OSCE Women’s Peace Leadership Programme (OSCE/ Vera Djemelinskaia)
Young Women for Peace Initiative
WIN Project in Ukraine
Participants of the WIN project capacity-building activities on women’s leadership for the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, Lviv, November 2023.
News and updates
Stories
Exploring the people, challenges and impact of our work
Young Women 4 Peace: Stories about empowering new generations to lead change and promote stability in Central Asia
“All our thoughts are about ensuring the safety of women, girls and vulnerable people in Ukraine,” says Iulia Kharashvili, Chair of the women’s association Consent in Georgia
Resources
Publications, guides and materials developed under the project
WIN Phase II Project Summary
OSCE Women's Peace Leadership Programme – 2nd Edition
OSCE Women’s Peace Leadership Programme: Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders
Trends in addressing femicide in the OSCE region
Proposed Minimum Standards and Components of Curricula for Police and Judicial Training to Prevent and Combat Violence Against Women and Girls
Navigating Networks: A Roadmap for the Creation and Operation of Women- led Peacebuilding Networks in Central Asia, Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus
Mapping of Programmes for Perpetrators of Domestic Violence in Central Asia
Gender and corruption in the access to natural resources: Preliminary findings
WHAT DOES IT TAKE – achieving equality for minority women
Toolkit: Preventing and responding to gender-based violence during the war and in post-war settings
Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Eastern Europe and Mongolia. Mapping of Women’s Resource Centres and other Integrated Service Providers for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence
