Vahdat, 3 September 2024 – UN Women Tajikistan has supported the establishment of a Reproductive Health Support Room in Vahdat, a key initiative aimed at offering comprehensive services. These include reproductive health and family planning, mental health support, initial psychosocial assistance for survivors of gender-based violence, as well as preventive care and treatment services. The establishment of a Reproductive Health Support Room in Vahdat was supported by the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund and implemented jointly by UN Women and UNFPA Tajikistan. The Room was opened during an event which was attended by representatives of government officials from Tajikistan's Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Executive Bodies of Vahdat city, UN Women Tajikistan, UNFPA Tajikistan, the NGO “Gender and Development”, and representatives of the Afghan women's refugee community.

The city of Vahdat, with an estimated population of 54,400 as of 1 January 2022, is home to over 7,000 Afghan refugees. The newly established Reproductive Health Support Room will play a pivotal role in addressing the health needs of the target groups of the project. Special attention will be given to reducing the burden of diseases and promoting preventive healthcare, particularly for women living with disabilities, Afghan women refugees, and other at-risk groups. Through the provision of inclusive services, this facility aims to make a meaningful contribution to the well-being of women in Vahdat, including the significant refugee population. The healthcare professionals serving at the Reproductive Health Support Room bring with them a wealth of experience and specialized knowledge in reproductive health. They are committed to ensuring accessible healthcare for women with disabilities, offering psychological support, and implementing proactive measures to address gender-based violence. 

The establishment of this room marks a significant achievement within the framework of the project “Socio-economic Recovery of Afghan Women Refugees in Vahdat and Rudaki.” This project is supported by the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund and implemented by UN Women Tajikistan and UNFPA Tajikistan in partnership with the Public Organization “Gender and Development.” The opening of this Reproductive Health Support Room reflects the project's dedication to improving the health and well-being of women affected by forced displacement. UNFPA in Tajikistan has also contributed to this initiative, further underscoring the collective commitment to addressing the needs of underserved women. 

The project is being implemented in close cooperation with the Committee on Women and Family Affairs under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Labour, Migration, and Employment of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan. It provides various training courses for Afghan women refugees, including English, IT, human rights, gender equality, refugee rights and obligations, prevention of gender-based violence, business start-up, and business retention and expansion. These initiatives aim to enhance the economic and social integration of Afghan women refugees into the host community.