On 22 May, Dr Susanne Greiter represented the GS-Foundation at the round table discussion on “Gender-sensitive border management and inclusive security: operational challenges, good practices and European standards” in Chișinău, Moldova.
A central message of her contribution was that security begins before the border, is tested at the border, and must continue beyond the border. This perspective reflects the growing understanding that effective border management requires more than infrastructure, procedures and control mechanisms.
Border Management Beyond Control and Procedures
Today, Integrated Border Management encompasses a much broader range of responsibilities than traditional border control alone. Border authorities are often among the first institutions to encounter people in highly vulnerable situations, including those fleeing conflict, victims of trafficking, survivors of domestic violence, children at risk and individuals experiencing significant psychological distress.
At the same time, border authorities must address challenges linked to organised crime, smuggling networks, exploitation, irregular movements and other forms of transnational crime. Balancing security requirements with the protection of fundamental rights therefore remains a key operational challenge.
Why Inclusive and Gender-Sensitive Approaches Matter
During the discussion, Dr Greiter emphasised that gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches do not weaken border security. On the contrary, they strengthen it.
Understanding individual vulnerabilities and recognising different protection needs can improve situational awareness and support the earlier identification of risks. Such approaches also facilitate more effective referrals to relevant support services and contribute to stronger trust between institutions and the people they serve.
Trust, early identification and cooperation are not secondary considerations. They are operational tools that help authorities respond more effectively to complex situations at and around borders.
Sharing Good Practices from Germany
Participants showed particular interest in practical examples and lessons learned from Germany. Drawing on experience from municipal integration and prevention work, Dr Greiter highlighted how cooperation between police services, local authorities, schools, civil society organisations and migrant communities can contribute to identifying risks at an early stage and preventing escalation.
These experiences demonstrate that effective prevention often begins long before a security issue becomes visible. Close cooperation between different actors can help address vulnerabilities, strengthen resilience and improve overall community safety.
Seeing the Person Behind the Document
One of the key conclusions emerging from the discussion was the importance of recognising that people crossing borders are not simply cases, flows or categories. They are individuals with personal histories, resources, vulnerabilities and protection needs.
Professional procedures and clear standards remain essential components of modern border management. However, these procedures become more effective when authorities are also able to see and understand the person behind the document.
Inclusive Security as an Operational Contribution
For the GS-Foundation, inclusive security is not a soft add-on to border management. It is an operational contribution to more effective, trusted and rights-based security governance.
The discussions in Chișinău reaffirmed that inclusive and gender-sensitive approaches can strengthen institutional effectiveness while enhancing the protection of vulnerable individuals. In this way, they contribute to safer borders and stronger societies alike.
