In Central Asia, domestic violence and gender-based violence are significant issues, as highlighted by the International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) in an article a year ago. Recently, on March 8, the launch of a new report titled “‘When I got married I lost my life’: Unveiling the Epidemic of Domestic Violence Against Women in Tajikistan” shed light on the continued use of domestic violence against women in the country. The report also discusses the failure of the state to effectively combat this issue, along with the systemic enabling of domestic violence at all societal levels.
Tajikistan, being a deeply patriarchal society, faces challenges due to traditional gender roles and stereotypical attitudes that contribute to domestic and gender-based violence. In 2024, concerns were raised by the U.N. Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women regarding entrenched patriarchal attitudes in Tajikistan, which hinder women and girls from accessing education and economic independence.
The rate of underage marriage in Tajikistan has increased by 60 percent since 2022, with families prioritizing finding a husband for their daughters over education. Many women are restricted from working or learning post-marriage, and control and isolation of married women are prevalent. The societal control extends to advocating for fines and control over women dressing in untraditional ways.
Despite the existence of Tajikistan’s Law on the Prevention of Family Violence for over a decade, powerful state representatives have failed to condemn domestic violence strongly, resulting in impunity for perpetrators. The lack of adequate understanding by officials regarding the gendered nature of domestic violence leads to inappropriate responses by the police towards women victims seeking help.
Victim-blaming and overlooking the imbalance of power and control in relationships are problems that need to be addressed. The government’s efforts to tackle domestic and gender-based violence have not significantly improved the situation, with a lack of allocated funding and comprehensive legal measures.
Estimates suggest that 80 percent of women in Tajikistan have experienced domestic violence, reflecting societal attitudes that justify violence against women for various reasons. There is a pressing need for Tajikistan’s government to take decisive actions, including legislative reforms and adequate funding, to address the root causes of domestic violence and combat patriarchal stereotypes.
Civil society partners in Tajikistan emphasize the urgency of resolving the state’s inadequate handling of domestic violence, dismantling societal discrimination, challenging gender stereotypes, and promoting a culture of empathy, understanding, and accountability.