Femmes au Tadjikistan : philosophie de notre action Women in Tajikistan
Context and the role of women
In Tajikistan, a woman is still today socially confined to the domestic sphere: she is responsible for domestic work (preparing meals, cleaning, laundry, caring for the elderly), giving birth, and taking care of children. She is the cornerstone of the domestic structure. The man is socialized to take financial responsibility (paid work), ensuring that the household’s subsistence needs are met. He takes charge of external relations (travel, shopping, etc.) and makes all important decisions.
Once married, the Tajik bride goes to live with her in-laws and becomes the de facto housekeeper and “employee” of the house. It has been noted that a woman’s professional life takes off only once her sons are married and her stepdaughters can take over the housework. Then, and only then, the woman/housewife begins her career and works outside the domestic realm.
Such dynamics are evolving under various influencing factors. The habitual absence of men who are migrating for work, along with the increasing divorce rate (marriages are often arranged and the bride and groom may not know each other before the wedding day) are driving women into the labor force. Furthermore, the representation of modern women with active professional lives on television and the internet are changing the way women see themselves.
Recent studies show that women are increasingly seeking paid work that will allow them to be “active” and to become financially independent. In their words, they want to learn and “not just sit around at home doing nothing all day”.
The work of Women Rockin' Pamirs
Our encounters with young Pamiri women have made us (as much as them) aware of their untapped potential and their willingness to learn and advance professionally. They demand more!
Through its actions, the organization hopes to respond to this demand and create new opportunities for women, allowing their talents to flourish and enabling them to discover their own capacities in areas that may have previously seemed unattainable to them.
The particularity of trekking in the rugged terrain of the mountains, with the constraints of distance and altitude, and to bearing the responsibility of guiding a group can go a long way in improving the decision-making skills of trainees. Skills that are usually left dormant in women can blossom with the awareness of one’s own abilities and power to act, one’s self-confidence and self-assurance, and decision-making skills based on reasoning, experience, and reflection.
The mountain guide courses prepare women for leadership: group management, decision-making, and taking responsibility. They are, of course, free to choose their profession and to invest these skills in other areas that are important to them.
Our position
Our organization does not intend to radically overturn female-male roles, but to enable women to develop their capacities and realize their full potential. Women Rockin’ Pamirs wants to foster spaces that facilitate the personal growth of women who, until now, have not had the opportunity.
Although they do not receive vocational training in this area, Tajik men already have access to jobs as trekking guides. Men have easier access to the labor market due to their social positions and traditional advantages as men.
To ensure that the local balance is respected and that young women remain well-integrated in the local community, the organization works closely with local partners, including, first and foremost, the local partner organization “Zanon Dar Kuhhoi Pomir”, religious counselors Gorno-Badakhshan region and tourism operators.
Our long-term goal is to contribute to greater recognition and the increased presence of Tajik women in the workforce through a combination of respect for local customs and traditions and support for the younger generation.