Tajik Wives Vulnerable to In-Law Violence
| Publisher | Institute for War and Peace Reporting |
| Author | Kamar Ahror |
| Publication Date | 6 November 2015 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | RCA Issue 774 |
| Cite as | Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Tajik Wives Vulnerable to In-Law Violence, 6 November 2015, RCA Issue 774, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/564c3e774.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Law passed two years ago yet to translate into societal change.
Although Tajikistan passed specific legislation to deal with domestic violence in 2012, the problem remains widespread.
Poverty and lack of both education and opportunities affects women in particular. Married women typically live with their husband's extended family, so domestic violence may be inflicted by their in-laws as well as spouses. Often, husbands are away for extended periods working in Russia, so the wife left behind to live with the in-laws may be seen as a burden.
There are strong taboos against outsiders interfering in family matters, and the victims risk losing everything they have if they report the crime.
"When Tajik women are better educated and in employment, they are less likely going to suffer domestic violence," according to Sabohat Bobojanova, head of the Gulruhsor women's centre in Khujand, northern Tajikistan.
Kamar Ahror is a radio reporter in Tajikistan.
