We are proud and grateful. Our initiative EQUALFORCE has received the Outstanding Security Performance Award (OSPA) 2025 in the category Outstanding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative.
The award recognises what we stand for: equality is not a side issue in the security sector. It is a foundation for trust, professionalism and resilience, even in times of crisis. Since 2023, the GS-Foundation has worked with security institutions in Moldova and Ukraine to strengthen equality, diversity and inclusion. Together with our partners, we focus on women in leadership and on institutions that protect and serve all citizens. The work happens under pressure. War, displacement and reform create complex conditions. Yet progress is visible. EQUALFORCE combines practical training, strategic advice and international cooperation to help shape lasting change.
Equality in Action: Building Skills, Structures and Confidence Across
In both countries, officers and ministry staff take part in multi-level training on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, leadership and equal treatment in daily service. A key outcome is the Gender Trainer’s Handbook, which provides modular learning units and practical methods for local trainers.
In Moldova, an online learning module with eleven units will become part of the Ștefan cel Mare Police Academy curriculum in 2025. We would like to thank the Gender Associations for their cooperation in the process. Equality will then be part of standard police education.
Inclusion also means better working conditions. Many police facilities in Moldova lacked gender-appropriate infrastructure. Through EQUALFORCE, renovations introduced separate, well-equipped sanitary facilities for women and men, a simple but meaningful change. Viorel Cernauteanu, Chief of the National Police of Moldova, put it clearly:
“This strategic investment, guided by equality from the start with separate and properly equipped facilities for women and men is a crucial step toward a more inclusive and respectful work environment. More than 2,300 people work in these facilities every day, around 30% of them women. A comfortable, hygienic workplace supports wellbeing, motivation and productivity.”
EQUALFORCE depends on people who carry its message forward. In 2023, gender trainers were certified. In 2024, they returned for refresher sessions to share experience and strengthen skills. They now lead workshops in their institutions and help make equality part of daily routines. In Moldova, a nationwide study on women in the security sector is under way, developed with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Its results will guide new policy recommendations and structural reforms.
In Ukraine, where work continues under war conditions, the focus is on gender-sensitive leadership and protection. Around 175 ministry staff took part in workshops on sexual harassment prevention, designed with JurFem. Another achievement is the introduction of gender-specific protective gear for female officers. It improves safety and affirms professional equality on duty.
From Local Change to Lasting Impact
EQUALFORCE also builds bridges beyond national borders. Representatives from Moldova and Ukraine have shared their experiences at the Munich Security Conference, the Augsburg Prevention Day and the IAWP Conference in Glasgow. These exchanges strengthen visibility, mutual learning and alignment with international standards.
At community level, cooperation continues. In Ukraine, a Security Concept for Educational Institutions brings together police, schools and social workers to protect children and teachers. It is a model for inclusive, community-based safety even under wartime conditions. Here, EQUALFORCE supports this initiative by providing equipment to detect possible threads for schools and trainings to increase the cooperation between schools and the police to protect students from the effects of the ongoing war.
Both Moldova and Ukraine are developing national gender strategies within their security institutions. Daniella Misail-Nichitin, Minister of Internal Affairs of Moldova, welcomed the continuation of EQUALFORCE, saying:
“I am very pleased about the continuation of the EQUALFORCE project. Thank you for the partnership and the continuous support in promoting gender equality.”
Her words capture the essence of our approach. Equality grows through partnership, persistence and practical action.
EQUALFORCE will continue in 2025 and beyond. More training, stronger networks, closer cooperation. Together with our partners, we aim to make equality a permanent standard in the security systems of both countries. Receiving the OSPA 2025 Award encourages us to keep going. It shows that inclusion can grow even under extreme conditions when people act with vision and shared responsibility. We thank all our partners, especially Gender Associations, and the many committed individuals who contribute to this joint effort. Together, we are shaping an inclusive future safe, fair and diverse.
