KYIV, 24 May 2006 - A series of TV programmes on equal
opportunities, produced with the help of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in
Ukraine, will air on the country's UT-1 channel beginning 27 May.
The
programmes, entitled "Sensitive Topic," were created by the non-governmental
organization Women's Consortium and also supported by the OSCE Office for
Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
"OSCE support for such
an initiative has the strategic goal of drawing public attention to
gender-related issues, as well as to problems connected with the strong
influence of stereotypes regarding the "traditional" role of women and men in
Ukrainian society, family, and private relations," said Marten Ehnberg, Head of
the Democratization Section of the Project Co-ordinator's office.
"Breaking down stereotypes could lead to a more balanced release of the
vast potential of both women and men in the public and private sector. It could
also have a positive impact on the democratic and economic development of
Ukraine.
"The programmes are targeted at a diverse audience: from young
people who are in the process of shaping their life outlook, to mature and
middle-aged people who may find in the programmes advice in dealing with real
life issues," he added
The series was produced in the framework of the
Co-ordinator's project that focuses on strengthening democratic governance
practices in Ukraine. This is the product of a new format that strives to
combine informative and entertaining components in an easy to understand manner.
It consists of several shows focusing on different gender-related issues,
including professional discrimination, domestic labour costs, children and
divorces, sexual harassment, the parents' responsibilities.
The
programme is part of a public awareness campaign designed by the Project
Co-ordinator and ODIHR and aims to facilitate the implementation of the national
gender equality policy by responsible state agencies.
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