Lost Voices of Women in Post-Soviet Tajikistan

Abstract

This study addresses Women’s Rights in Tajikistan. Since its independence, Tajikistan’s main focus has been placed upon the promotion and improvement of human’s rights in the country. Attention on the protection of the rights and freedom of people has been paramount. Women constitute more than half of the population, but unfortunately legal maintenance of their rights, freedoms and legitimate interests remains one of the main unresolved problems. The objectives of this study are to determine the reasons behind high percentage of women who have their rights violated in Tajikistan and consider the reason for the passive behavior of women within society. Why despite the fact that women are making almost half of the population, their impact on the society considers to be marginal and very low. In terms of research methods, data collection, in-depth interviews involving three target groups were applied: i) government employees (Shu’bai Zanon); ii) women’s rights activists (heads of the NGOs); and iii) local women (including casualties) in Tajikistan. Tajikistan portrays itself to the world, as a democratic state, where both men and women have equal rights and responsibilities. In 1993, Tajikistan ratified The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and later on 3 of December, 1999, was announced Presidential Decree “On increasing the role of women in the society.” Also, on 10 September, 1998, National Action Plan “On strengthening the role and status of women in the period 1998-2005” was approved by the decree of the government of the republic of Tajikistan. Then, in 2005 was adopted new law “On State Guarantees of Equal Rights of men and women and equal opportunities for their realization,” and last but not least was, the adoption of the law “On Prevention of Domestic Violence” in 2013. For all that, in practice, Tajikistan is simply a patriarchic state, where the role of woman in society is shaped through three main images: marriage, motherhood and mistress.