Following Bozgul Dodkhudoeva's Legacy: "If you educate a woman, you empower an entire nation"

Bozgul Dodkhudoeva is a former Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan and the founder of the Sarvar (Leader) Women’s Educational Center in Dushanbe. Her work in the post-conflict period has contributed to increasing women’s participation in education, leadership and peacebuilding in Tajikistan . Following Tajikistan’s civil war (1992–1997), which displaced over 1 million people, a National Reconciliation Commission was formed in 1997 between the Government and the United Tajik Opposition. Dodkhudoeva, the only female member of the Commission, was responsible for ensuring the safe return of approximately half a million refugees – estimated to be nearly one-tenth of Tajikistan’s population at the time.

Born in  the mountainous  village of Tajikistan, Bozgul Dodkhudoeva witnessed firsthand the challenges women face in accessing education. Her work has profoundly shaped the lives of thousands of young women, paving the way for gender equality in her homeland.

After Tajikistan’s devastating civil war (1992–1997), which displaced about 1.2 million people - 20 percent of the population - between 500,000 and one million refugees fled¹. Dodkhudoeva, serving as Deputy Prime Minister, was appointed as a member of the National Reconciliation Commission established by Tajikistan Government and the United Tajik Opposition in February 1997². She was the only female member of the Commission and played a crucial role in championing the return of refugees while advocating for education as the key to rebuilding society. Notably, the National Reconciliation Commission layed the groundwork for the peace agreement that followed.

As a female leader, she was determined to raise a new generation of women leaders for the country. She recognized that rural women from remote, mountainous areas faced significant barriers to higher education due to cultural traditions, geographical isolation, and the lack of safe dormitories. This systemic inequality inspired her to take action.

In 1997, a presidential decree established a quota system allowing young women from remote and mountainous regions to enter and study in universities and institutes in the capital. The decree, effective until 2010, aligned with the duration of the National Programme on Equal Rights and Opportunities and aimed to facilitate easier entry into higher education for young women from underserved areas. However, while universities and institutes allocated study places in accordance with the decree, they were unable to provide secure housing for female students. Recognizing this gap, Dodkhudoeva spearheaded efforts to establish an institution that would ensure safe accommodation and additional educational support for these women.

In 1998, with support from the UNDP's Women in Development programme, Dodkhudoeva founded the Sarvar (Leader) Women's Educational Center in Dushanbe. The Center, a state institution operating in partnership with the Educational Center project, was established through an agreement signed between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and UNDP on June 6, 2001. Designed as a sanctuary for women from underserved regions, the Center provided not only accommodation but also a transformative education. Equipped with computers, a library, and dormitories, it offered courses in leadership, human rights, and reproductive health. Students were trained in conflict resolution, team building, and language skills, ensuring they were equipped to excel academically and professionally.

Dodkhudoeva’s leadership turned the Center into a model institution. By 2003, it had been formally integrated into the Ministry of Education, ensuring its sustainability through government funding. The Center played a critical role in implementing the 1997 presidential decree, ensuring that young women from remote areas could safely pursue higher education. From 1999 to 2016, Dodkhudoeva directed the Center, overseeing the education of thousands of young women. By 2009, thanks to government quotas she helped establish, over 740 women had entered higher education institutions. These women pursued careers in medicine, agriculture, education, and more, becoming leaders in their communities.

The Center’s long-term impact is undeniable. Women who once had no access to education are now shaping Tajikistan’s future as professionals and leaders. This empowerment has ripple effects, challenging traditional gender roles and fostering a culture where women’s contributions are valued. Dodkhudoeva’s work illustrates why gender equality must remain a global priority. Her story demonstrates that when women are given opportunities, they not only transform their own lives but also drive societal progress. Today, her legacy continues to inspire new generations of women to rise above barriers and lead with courage.

This story is published as part of "The Past, Present, and Future of Women, Peace, and Security" campaign, commemorating the 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325, to celebrate the power of peace. The campaign aims to foster a deeper dialogue on equality, justice and peace, honoring the legacies and amplifying the voices of 25 trailblazing women from across Europe and Central Asia whose significant contributions have transformed their communities, societies, and beyond. The content reflects the personal views and experiences of the author(s) and does not necessarily represent the official position of UN Women, its partners, or the United Nations.