UN Women Tajikistan Launches Project on Women’s Access to Justice and Gender Capacity Building of Judges

Dushanbe, 17th January 2025 – UN Women Tajikistan officially launched the "Women’s Access to Justice and Gender Capacity Building of Judges in Tajikistan" project, funded by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). This initiative was undertaken in collaboration with the Supreme Court of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Committee on Women and Family Affairs under the Government of Tajikistan. The official launch event, held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, convened 60 participants, including representatives from the government, international organizations, public institutions, gender equality experts and women’s rights activists. This diverse gathering aimed to foster dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders, focusing on the project's goals and objectives, addressing persistent challenges, and strengthening coordination to improve Women’s Access to Justice.

Violence against women and girls constitutes a violation of human rights, leading to severe and lasting physical, sexual, and psychological repercussions. In Tajikistan, data from the Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law indicates that 50% to 80% of women and children experience violence. Women and girls aged 18–35 are particularly vulnerable to various forms of domestic violence and discrimination. Such violence is often perpetuated by both family members and the wider community, and in many cases, by fear of repercussions, lack of access to information or lack of knowledge of their rights, survivors of domestic violence do not seek legal help, underscoring the need for systemic intervention and awareness.

The "Women’s Access to Justice and Gender Capacity Building of Judges in Tajikistan" project aligns with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) recommendations to empower women and girls and safeguard progress on gender equality achieved since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The initiative focuses on enhancing legal literacy among women and girls, improving access to essential services for survivors of violence, and fostering a gender-sensitive judicial system that provides legal protection and ensures compensation for moral and health damages. Running until end of 2026, the project will be implemented in four regions and the capital of Tajikistan: Sughd, Khatlon, GBAO, DRS, and the capital city Dushanbe. It will empower judges and lawyers in 25 target courts with the knowledge and skills to enforce laws on domestic violence prevention and eliminate all forms of discrimination. By adhering to international human rights standards and global judicial practices, the project aims to address violence against women and girls effectively and foster lasting gender equality in Tajikistan.

The official launch event featured active participation from Mr. Alizoda Shodmon Shams, the Chair of the Board of Justice on Civil Cases, who stated: " Increasing women's empowerment and expanding the participation of women and girls in public administration is one of the important areas of state policy and the Government of Tajikistan."

In her welcoming address, Ms. Parvathy Ramaswami, UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan, also commented: "This project aims to enhance legal literacy among women and girls, improve access to essential services for survivors of violence, and promote a gender-sensitive judicial system that provides legal protection and compensates survivors for moral and health damages. I want to reiterate our commitment to supporting the Government and the people of Tajikistan in our shared mission to ensure that women and girls have a fair access to justice, protection, and security, and exercise their rights to work and live with dignity."

The event was attended by Ms. Carrie Lee, Deputy Chief of the Mission of the USA Embassy in Tajikistan, who commenced the proceedings with a welcome speech. She acknowledged the significant contributions and capacity-building achievements of the GBV project, which had been implemented by UN Women over the past two years. Deputy Chief Lee offered strong appreciation for the shared goal among key stakeholders stating, “I extend my heartfelt thanks to the leadership of the Supreme Court and Committee on Women and Family Affairs  and key government ministries for your cooperation and partnership, the Civil society organizations for your unwavering dedication, and the development partners for your commitment to gender equality and the elimination of violence against women and girls. Together, we are building a future where justice, equality, and safety are not ideals but realities for all.  

Ms. Marziya Baydulloeva, UN Women Programme Coordinator, provided a detailed overview of the Women’s Access to Justice Project. She outlined the goals, objectives, and expected outcomes, adding, “It is critical for us to launch this project together with our partners and inform all participants on the needs and crucial goal we are pursuing. This project is addressing a crucial issue, and we are proud to be working with so many key partners and stakeholders who are pursuing the same goal: providing a better access to justice to survivors of domestic violence.”

Following the discussions, all key stakeholders — including local authorities, CSOs, INGOs, and donors — reached a unanimous consensus on the pressing need for collaborative efforts to improve women’s access to justice and strengthen the gender capacity of judges in Tajikistan. The stakeholders stressed that unified action and mutual support are vital for addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by gender-based violence. Such collaboration, they affirmed, is essential for creating sustainable, positive change in communities and ensuring that justice systems are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of women and girls.

For further details, please contact: Davroni Davronzoda, National Communication Consultant, E-mail: davroni.davronzoda@unwomen.org.