Human Trafficking in Tajikistan: A Gendered Approach to Understanding Policy Gaps

Abstract

Human trafficking remains a persistent and gendered problem in Tajikistan despite the existence of legal frameworks. This thesis examines why trafficking, especially sex trafficking of women, is still rarely reported, often silenced in society, and poorly addressed in practice. Using the concept of gendered structural violence and feminist institutionalism, the study demonstrates that trafficking in Tajikistan extends beyond individual crimes. Legal flaws, institutional policies, cultural standards, and media invisibility all contribute to women's systematic disadvantage. Using a qualitative research design based on secondary data analysis, this study investigates national legislation, international reports and academic literature. It focuses on how shame, fear of dishonor, and social marginalization silence victims and discourage reporting. The research revealed that state-centered security measures, conditional victim protection, a lack of identification procedures, and stigmatization of sexually exploited women all contribute to the persistence of vulnerability rather than its elimination.