News

Little Earth conducts training on gender equality in Yagnob Valley, Tajikistan

20.12.2022

On 20–22 November 2022, the first edition of the training "The role and participation of women in the development of local communities" was held in the village of Makhtimain, Yagnob Valley, Ayni District, Tajikistan. The training was organized by the environmental organization Little Earth – a member of the Mountain Partnership – as part of the project "Sustainable use of natural resources and women's participation in mountain communities of Yagnob".

For three days, 20 women from five villages in the valley discussed issues of gender equality and stereotypes, negative social norms and prejudices that limit women's participation in the development of their own communities. The event also gave them the opportunity to share their opinions on the most pressing problems in the villages and the measures they consider necessary to improve the situation.

To conduct a training seminar, the Little Earth hired a qualified trainer who specializes in the field of gender equality and has extensive experience in conducting such events, including in rural areas. The training was interactive and involved the participants in the learning process. The programme included group assignments, role-playing games, simulations and general discussions. As part of the training, concrete examples of projects were also presented, where the participation of women made it possible to achieve more effective results. It was the first time any of the women had participated in such a training.

Women and children are the most affected by environmental degradation. Although women manage natural resources at the family and community levels on a daily basis, they have limited influence on decision-making. Without the equal participation of women, the decisions made will not be sustainable. That is why the Little Earth pays special attention to these issues.

"We understand that one training is not enough and it is necessary to continue working with the target group further. As part of the project, we plan to conduct two more trainings with women – on sustainable management of natural resources and sustainable energy solutions. Later, they will all receive sets of energy-saving equipment that will help them reduce their fuel use, save money and improve sanitation," said Anton Timoshenko, Executive Director of the Little Earth.

The project "Sustainable use of natural resources and participation of women in the mountain communities of Yagnob" is implemented by the Little Earth with the support of the Swedish association "Forum-CIV" and the Swedish partner "Centralasiengrupperna".

News by Timur Idrisov, The Little Earth

Photo: ©The Little Earth

Watch a video from the Little Earth on the distribution of energy-saving equipment in the Yagnob Valley