The GS-Foundation has received a Global Outstanding Security Performance Award (OSPAs) for its initiative EQUALFORCE. The award recognises EQUALFORCE’s contribution to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion in the security sector in Moldova and Ukraine.
It was presented at the 2nd Global Outstanding Security Performance Awards, held on 5 February 2026 as a virtual event bringing together winners of regional OSPAs from around the world. Only initiatives that had previously received a national or regional OSPA were eligible to compete at the global level. EQUALFORCE was awarded the national OSPA in 2025, which qualified the initiative for the global awards.
EQUALFORCE received the Global OSPA in the category “Outstanding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative.” In its jury statement, the Global OSPAs highlighted the initiative’s measurable impact and international best practice.
EQUALFORCE: from foundation to current focus
Implemented in Moldova and Ukraine, EQUALFORCE supports security institutions in strengthening gender equality, inclusion and professionalism as core elements of accountable security governance. The first project phase was implemented working with Gender Associations and resulted in the publication “Transforming Insitutions, Empowering Leades and Increasing Human Security.” Building on that, the initiative continues under EQUALFORCE II, commissioned by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO).
In Moldova, EQUALFORCE II focuses on strengthening institutional responses to domestic violence, with an emphasis on coordinated, victim-centred approaches across relevant authorities.
In Ukraine, the initiative concentrates on supporting security actors in contributing to the protection of schools and educational infrastructure in conflict-affected environments.
Current activity in Moldova: mapping institutional responses
As part of its current work in Moldova, the GS-Foundation has launched a comprehensive domestic violence mapping process, starting with a kick-off meeting at the General Police Inspectorate (GPI) in Chișinău. The mapping examines how policies, legal frameworks and operational practices interact when domestic violence cases occur.
By analysing institutional responsibilities, legal interfaces and inter-agency cooperation, the mapping provides a practice-oriented basis for strengthening coordinated responses and improving protection for victims. The process is designed to support national institutions in translating policy commitments into effective operational practice.
Reflecting on this ongoing work, Dr. Susanne Greiter, Project Lead of EQUALFORCE, emphasised the importance of sustained engagement:
“This award confirms that gender work in security institutions must go beyond awareness-raising. It is about gender justice! Strengthening institutional resilience, improving protection for vulnerable groups, and embedding prevention, leadership accountability and operational standards so that equality is lived in daily policing practice, not treated as a temporary project.”
The Global Outstanding Security Performance Award underscores that equality, diversity and inclusion are essential components of professional and accountable security institutions. Building on this recognition, EQUALFORCE will continue to support partners in both Moldova and Ukraine, with a clear focus on translating strategic commitments into institutional practice.
