DISCOVER LANGUAGE, DISCOVER THE WORLD – RURAL WOMEN FORGE AHEAD WITH PLANS

On Friday, April 11, 2014, an estimated 120 women of all ages from 17 districts of the country participated in a local women’s event entitled “Discover language. Discover the world.” This event, the first of its kind since 1972, was organized by women’s groups of the Uzbek-speaking Lakai communities of Navbahor Village, Dusti Jamoat, Jomi District. 

 Speaking at the event, Ms. Khosiyat Nematova, Deputy Head of Jomi District, welcomed guests from different districts and DFID representatives in Tajikistan to this event. She said, “A lot has happened and changed since forming the women’s groups. The women become outspoken, have the potential to change their own social and economic status and manage their own household needs and expenditures.” 

“Our goal for this local event is to encourage women to take control of their lives; learn Tajik language and make good choices and decisions. Soon, with the help of district government and support of Save the Children, we’ll start building the medical center in order to access the primary care services in the community,” added Oimgul Karaeva, the leader of the women’s groups “Maftuna-1” and “Maftuna-2”. The members of the women’s groups from Temurmalik, Shuroobod, Rudaki, Rumi, Jomi, Shakhrinav, Tursunzoda and Qumsangir Districts encouraged women to keep up their efforts and promised to disseminate the work they do for women.

The event characterized by music, singing and dancing, sharing delicious meals and tasty appetizers based on ancient recipes, showing different variations of embroidery, rug weaving technique, ethnic textiles, tent bags, wedding head-dresses and bedding covers. The women were proud of the work they did, particularly their friendship and support to each other.

The poems written and presented by the local poets, Ms. Khizlarhon Gulmirzoeva and Ms.  Oimgul Karaeva, were truly inspiring. The poems were about the spring, friendship, the country, as well as making new starts.

“Learning the language is not easy but we enjoy the experience by meeting new friends and opening new doors of communication. We would love to continue to work with Save the Children supporters who are working hard to improve the well-being of the women,” expressed a number of women with a smile on their faces.

The women demonstrated that they spend their income on supporting the well-being of their family and the community. Save the Children in Tajikistan is focused on improving networking among women and their livelihoods across the country. The DFID-funded Women’s Wealth & Influence project aims to increase women’s wealth and influence within their families and communities and is now in its third year of operation.