On November 3, 2016 women’s groups in Vose District, M. Vaisov jamoat, Chorbogh village demonstrated transformative gender role by learning men’s professions through vocational courses. 34 women and girls from two women’s groups have mastered professions which had been hold only by men before, and which were in high demand as majority skilled men left abroad for remittances. The women and girls attended vocational courses on repairing sewing machines and mobile phones initiated by WGs of the village and supported by DFID WW&I project, Adult Education Centre of Kulob area and the Agency of Labor and Employment of population of Vose District. After successfully completion of the courses the participants received International Certificates, enable them to work not only in Tajikistan but also outside of the country.
“This is our second initiative which warmly received and supported by the community members and local officials”-said Gulandom Giyoeva the head of WG “Rizo” who has already organized a sewing workshop in the village and provided with permanent job 15 members of her group. “The initiative of learning “men’s professions” came up to us right after the visit of DFID officials to our village in early August this year. During the visit there was a lot of discussions and appreciations of our WGs’ work, in particular our sewing activity, and when the guests asked questions related to the maintenance of sewing machines, we had nothing to respond... Really, in case of breakdown of machines who will repair them, - again rely on men??? We applied to Lutfiya –the Field Coach and she found the way to meet our needs”-continued Gulandom. “Collection of indifferent money and making group decisions made us strong. I hope our certified women and girls will also find jobs to apply their new skills and knowledge to bring significant income to their families. We are thankful to Save the Children WW&I project staff for advises provided toward improvement of our economic status and prosperity in our lives” –concluded Gulandom.
“I learnt repairing sewing machines and already have got clients in my village” – with proud stated Razoqova Zuhro, “Vokhuri” Group Leader.
Women and girls shared their experience and demonstrated their skills and knowledge on repairing sewing machines and mobile phones with the participants of the event-representatives of WGs from 16 project districts and the local government, representative of Committee of Women and Family Affairs under the Government of RT Boboeva Madina, Head of Women and Family Affairs Department of Vose District Safarova Hafiza and Qurbonov Mahmadiso, Head of Department of Agency of Labor and Employment of Vose District.
“This event showed that our rural women and girls became very active and are confident to learn men’s job, I am very proud of them”-said in her speech Madina Boboeva.
“I wish WW&I project work in all villages of the District to empower our women to undertake the activities to improve their role and status within their families and communities”- mentioned in her speech Safarova Hafiza the Head of Women and Family Affairs of Vose District.
Save the Children’s Women’s Wealth and Influence (WW&I) Project funded by DFID created an opportunity for the women to actively challenge gender norms, promoted positions of social influence for women in communities.
Central Asia 