Project “I am Independent”

Dushanbe, Tajikistan – The National Association of Persons with Disabilities of Tajikistan has successfully completed the “Empowerment of All Women – I am Independent” project. This initiative, which began in August 2023 and concluded in December 2023, aimed to support women with disabilities, provide them with new opportunities for personal and professional growth, and raise awareness of their rights.

Final Events

Several significant events were held throughout the project, culminating in the “I am Independent” competition, which took place on December 3, 2023, at the S. Ayni Opera and Ballet Theatre in Dushanbe. The competition brought together young women with disabilities from different regions of Tajikistan, who showcased their achievements, independence, and leadership skills. The winners of the competition were:

• Grand Prix: Risolat, a young nurse from Vahdat, who was competing in an international sports competition in Moscow at the time of the contest.
• First Place: Gulnoza from Vakhsh, an activist helping young people find purpose in life.
• Second Place: Jumagul from Tursunzade, a blind English teacher and master’s student.
• Third Place: Madina from Dushanbe, a food blogger sharing insights about nutrition and healthy eating.

Additional Achievements

The project also included several other initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and supporting women with disabilities. Among them, two documentary films were produced, highlighting the lives and successes of women with disabilities:

• One film tells the story of Madina Kholova, who overcame numerous obstacles to earn a master’s degree.
• Another film features Nilufar Pirova, an artist who is studying foreign sign languages and teaching at a school for deaf children.

Additionally, the project organized radio broadcasts and discussions in mosques to raise awareness about women’s rights and the importance of their education. These activities reached more than 500,000 people across the country.

Conclusion

The “I am Independent” project successfully achieved its goals, equipping women with disabilities with essential skills and knowledge for independent living. The final events demonstrated the importance of women’s empowerment in Tajikistan and showcased positive changes in the lives of the project participants.