Experts from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the country office of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Turkmenistan have completed a six-month pilot family counseling program. More than 200 young couples from Ashgabat, Mary and Turkmenabad were trained at trainings organized within the framework of the project.

USAID and UNFPA specialists told the participants about positive gender norms, reproductive rights and constructive conflict resolution. Trainers and trainees also discussed ways to prevent gender-based violence and ways to promote the development of harmonious relationships within the family.

"USAID has extensive experience in preventing and responding to gender-based violence, as well as promoting gender equality and women's economic empowerment," said Nino Nadiradze, USAID representative in Turkmenistan. Based on the success of the pilot project, UNFPA will continue to conduct training sessions on family counseling, the expert noted.

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