The Aga Khan Foundation in Tajikistan (AKF) has signed a contract with the local CSO Bonuvoni Panj to launch a new three-year project to empower vulnerable women in Khatlon province.

According to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Resident Office in Tajikistan, the contract has been signed under the AGECS component of the Foundation for Health and Empowerment project funded by the Global Affairs Canada and AKF Canada

As part of Foundation for Health and Empowerment (F4HE) project, a joint project of Aga Khan Foundation and Global Affairs Canada, a new sub-project “Empower Vulnerable Women against Gender-based Violence and Discrimination by Promoting Access to Income-generating Opportunities and Civic Participation in Panj, Jayhun, Dusti, Jaloliddini-Balkhi, and Qubodiyon Districts” was reportedly signed on June 22.  

AKF and Bonuvoni Panj discuss the future collaboration on the sub-project

The project will be implemented in partnership with women from five districts of Khatlon province.  With a duration of 36 months, the project reportedly aims to target more than 2000 women and girls in the region.

The project aims to empower rural women in Khatlon problems to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and discrimination through trainings, information sessions, awareness raising initiatives and round tables, learning from the tested experiences of other regions.  Small grants will also be provided for economic development activities.  The action contributes to changes in behavior and perception regarding beneficiaries’ rights, abilities, safety and voice. It will help change attitudes about and reactions to violence against women and girls, increase legal literacy, and encourage civic and economic participation.