In 1995, Turkmenistan adopted the Declaration on International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and Freedoms, founded on the principle that the status of women be based on democracy and the rule of law. According to communications from Aksoltan Ataeva, the head of the Turkmen Delegation at the "Women 2000" General Assembly Special Session, the government Declaration brings Turkmen's legislation closer in line with international law. 

Although the government elaborated a National Plan of Action, it is not clear what progress has been made. On 28 August 1998, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers established the Inter-Agency Coordination Council on the Realization of the National Action Plan for the Advancement of Women.

Most developments have been at the initiative of inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations. On 20 June 2002, an OSCE representative presented a one-day seminar on advocacy and women's rights, which was organized by the American Bar Association/Center for Eastern European Legal Initiative and the local Women's Resource Center.