Outcome TJK_D_1.1

By 2026, governance is more inclusive, transparent and accountable, serving to protect human rights, empower women, and reduce violence and discrimination in alignment with the international commitments of Tajikistan (UNSDCF Outcome 4)?

Outcome has not been achieved , however, in 2023 UN Women made significant progress. The Government of Tajikistan developed a draft of the new State Programme on Prevention of Violence against women and children in Tajikistan for 2024-2029 and its detailed National Action Plan, with adoption planned in 2024. UN Women directly supported the programme’s development by CoWFA RT. 220 specialists of the state structures and CSOs contributed to the process through 5 national public consultations held in Dushanbe, Khatlon, Sughd, Districts of Republican Subordinations and GBAO . The working group considered the opinions of these specialists based on key achievements and gaps to be bridged; capacity of the implementers of the relevant Law(s); dissemination of information on the Law and the State programme; significance of work with the communities; and data and research as evidence based information . The process of finalization and adoption will be done in the beginning of 2024. I n addition, in 2023 , UN Women made significant progress to drafts NAP 1325. The NAP on UNSCR includes all important aspects of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. The CoWFA is going to resume the consultations and submit the draft to the Government of RT for consideration by key ministries and committees in 2024. The current draft of NAP included important chapters, including human resources capacitated on WPS issues; increasing the role of women in decision-making in the judicial, law enforcement and defense sector; important for Tajikistan sector sector; and consideration of the special needs of women and girls in adapting to the impacts of climate change and emergencies. The plan lists responsible parties and considers cooperation with the CSOs and research organizations. The draft NAP considers the financial means for implementation, and includes several provisions for work, related to the Strategic Cooperation of the Governments on WPS NAPs at Central Asia Regional level (the process was greatly facilitated by ECARO). The UN Women established partnerships with the state partners: CoWFA, ministries of interior and defense, Committees on National Security and Emergencies, local government actors. Civil society organizations, including Women Peacebuilders Network and youth organizations significantly contributed to the process. The newly drafted NAP provides recommendations for different clusters of stakeholders, including new actors (Ministry of Culture, Committee on TV and Radio, commercial structures, Higher Institutions and Universities) for implementation. The UN Women established partnerships with the state partners: CoWFA, ministries of interior and defense, Committees on National Security and Emergencies, local government actors. Civil society organizations, including Women Peacebuilders Network and youth organizations significantly contributed to the process. The newly drafted NAP provides recommendations for different clusters of stakeholders, including new actors (Ministry of Culture, Committee on TV and Radio, commercial structures, Higher Institutions and Universities) for implementation. 140 women enterpreneurs, especially from vulnerable groups, youth and people with disabilities and 60 representatives from ministries and development partners exchanged information and developed specific recommendations in order to create opportunities for promoting women’s entrepreneurship and discuss ways to overcome problems and obstacles in these areas. This occurred during International Women's Entrepreneurship Day conducted by UN Women in partnership with the State Committee on Investment and State Property Management of RT and relevant ministries and agencies, and development partners, such as EBRD, GIZ, FAO, UNDP, PO “Ishtirok”. This year’s conference was aimed to boost the growth and sustainability of women-led businesses in the country and the region. At the conference women entrepreneurs presented goods, products and services: Women and youth were introduced to new entrepreneurship reforms. Financial opportunities were presented as part of the reforms. Various projects and plans of development partners were introduced to support business startups. Exchange of experiences occurred among businesswomen. Strategies on how to attract national and international experts were discussed. Skills enhancement for women in e-commerce and the green economy was emphasized. Other relevant issues were addressed to empower women in business. Efforts were made to involve a wide range of women and girls from different regions of the country. The Government of Tajikistan, the SIC, the Secretariat of the Advisory Council under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the CoWFA, the State Committee on Investment and State Property Management of RT recognized the role of UN Women in organizing EXPO and contributions to the development of women’s businesses. Based on the progress made to date, the original strategy and theory of change for this outcome is largely still applicable.

By 2026, governance is more inclusive, transparent and accountable, serving to protect human rights, empower women, and reduce violence and discrimination in alignment with the international commitments of Tajikistan (UNSDCF Outcome 4)?

In 2024, UN Women implemented a range of initiatives aimed at supporting Tajikistan's efforts to promote inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance. Although no national and/or local (multi) sectoral strategies, policies and/or action plans with a focus on gender equality, nor National Action Plans on Women, Peace and Security with monitoring indicators were adopted, other actions were aligned with the country’s international commitments to gender equality, human rights, and the reduction of violence and discrimination. UN Women played a pivotal role in supporting the Government of Tajikistan in adopting and finalizing key policy documents that align with global gender equality commitments. State Programme for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (2025–2030): UN Women provided technical and financial assistance in the development of this programme, ensuring its alignment with global standards. The programme reflects inputs from national consultations involving 220 specialists and organizations working with vulnerable women’s groups. It incorporates clear monitoring and evaluation indicators, enabling evidence-based assessment of progress. National Action Plan (NAP): UN Women supported the completion and submission of Tajikistan’s third NAP for government endorsement. This document aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and highlights Tajikistan’s commitment to women’s inclusion in peace and security governance. UN Women hosted several platforms for multi-stakeholder dialogue, fostering inclusivity and transparency in governance. Open Day for Peace Dialogue : This event brought together women leaders, government officials, civil society actors, and international organizations to discuss strategies for advancing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. The platform enabled the exchange of best practices and solutions for ensuring women’s leadership in peacebuilding and governance processes. Woman and Water Forum : This event highlighted the pivotal role of women in water governance and management and their empowerment in decision-making processes, bringing together women diplomats, activists, scientists, water sector professionals as well as representatives from State agencies, grass-roots organizations and development partners. UN Women invested in strengthening the capacities of state institutions to deliver gender-responsive governance. Training for Government bodies and Civil-Society Organizations: UN Women conducted targeted capacity-building initiatives for government representatives and civil-society organizations. This included training and share of best practices in the elimination of violence against women (EVAW) and gender-based violence (GBV). Enhancing Data and Evidence for Decision-Making: Recognizing the importance of data for accountability, UN Women supported the development of gender-sensitive indicators to monitor progress in achieving gender equality goals. These indicators are integrated into national plans to measure the impact of governance initiatives on women’s empowerment. UN Women worked to increase women empowerment and provided capacity building initiatives. Empowering Women: UN Women supported training programmes for women. These initiatives equipped women with skills in advocacy for their rights, empowering them to participate more actively in their communities. Efforts to reduce violence and discrimination were a central pillar of UN Women’s work in 2024. Supporting the Implementation of the Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence: UN Women partnered with state and non-state actors to prepare the Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence. Community-Based Approaches: Grassroots initiatives were supported to engage communities in addressing harmful social norms and practices that perpetuate violence against women. UN Women leveraged partnerships to amplify advocacy efforts for gender equality and inclusive governance. Collaboration with International Partners: UN Women worked closely with UN agencies, donors, and other organizations to harmonize efforts and resources for advancing gender equality. Campaigns and Public Engagement: Advocacy campaigns were launched to raise awareness about women’s rights and the importance of gender equlity. These campaigns emphasized the harmful social gender norms. The organization’s efforts to strengthen policies, foster dialogue, build capacities, and address gender-based violence directly contribute to protecting human rights, empowering women, and reducing discrimination.