First-of-its-kind study on women’s involvement in violent extremism was launched in Tajikistan

6 August 2025, Dushanbe — A groundbreaking study exploring women’s involvement in violent extremism in Tajikistan was officially launched at a high-level roundtable with around 40 representatives from the Government of Tajikistan, civil society, international organizations, and gender experts.

The report, “Assessment of Key Gender-Based Drivers and Root Causes of Violent Extremism in Tajikistan,” marks the country’s first systematic, gender-sensitive analysis on the issue. It concludes that women’s roles in extremist networks range from victims and passive companions to active agents of extremism. While many are drawn in by following their husbands under the pressure of social norms, others join by their own initiative, motivated by ideological influence, personal circumstances, or manipulation through propaganda.

Organized by UN Women Tajikistan in partnership with the Public Organization “Tahlil”, the roundtable featured keynote speakers from the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Committee on Women and Family Affairs, the Ministry of Labor, Migration and Employment of the Republic of Tajikistan, and UN agencies. Discussions concluded with a shared commitment to translate the study’s findings into concrete, gender-responsive policies and programming.

"This study provides a deeper and more realistic understanding of why and how women become involved in extremist movements,” said Marziya Baydulloeva, Head of UN Women Office in Tajikistan. “Sustainable prevention strategies must be grounded in solid evidence and developed in close collaboration with national institutions and civil society.”

Javohir Akobirova, Head of the Gender and International Relations Department of the Committee on Women and Family Affairs, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda. “Gender perspectives are essential if we want to prevent radicalization at its roots. This study provides timely and relevant insights for our national strategies.”

Shahbozi Abdukarim, from the Unified Information Centre for the prevention of extremism, terrorism and cybercrime of the General Prosecutor’s office, emphasized the importance of institutional cooperation. “Preventing violent extremism and rehabilitating returnees requires strong inter-agency coordination. Effective implementation of the National Strategy depends on institutions working together, sharing expertise, and fully integrating gender dimensions into all aspects of our response.”

Addressing reintegration challenges faced by women returnees, Farzona Kholmatzoda, representing the Ministry of Labor, Migration and Employment, stressed that returnees, particularly women, face multiple layers of social vulnerability. “Targeted support is essential to ensure their economic empowerment, legal protection, and social inclusion.”

Farrukh Salimov, Director of PO “Tahlil” and Project Lead, underlined the value of collaboration.  “The success of this initiative reflects strong partnerships between national and international stakeholders, ensuring that findings are put into practice.”

The assessment used a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus groups across key regions of Tajikistan. It explored both gender-based and structural drivers of radicalization, including poverty, inequality, social exclusion, and violence, while also identifying resilience factors such as trust in institutions, education access, and community engagement.

The event underscored the importance of integrating the study’s findings into ongoing national processes, including the development of Tajikistan’s third National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, and the new National Strategy on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism for 2026 and beyond.

The full assessment will be published in the final quarter of 2025.

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