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Women's rights

Dushanbe Opens Criminal Cases Over Underage Marriage in Tajikistan

The authorities in Tajikistan have reported several cases involving the marriage of underage girls, with criminal cases opened in Dushanbe since the beginning of the year over violations of the country’s legal marriage age. According to the Dushanbe branch of the Interior Ministry, law enforcement agencies have identified five cases this year in which parents arranged marriages for their underage daughters. Criminal investigations have been launched in all cases, and inquiries are ongoing. Officials reminded the public that under Article 13 of Tajikistan’s Family Code, the legal age for marriage is 18. The only exception is by court decision, which may lower the marriage age by no more than one year. Despite these restrictions, the authorities say some parents continue to knowingly violate the law by marrying off their daughters before they reach the legal age. The Interior Ministry also stressed that criminal liability applies not only to parents and intermediaries, but also to those who conduct underage marriage ceremonies and to adults entering into marriage with minors. Separately, Dushanbe authorities have registered nine cases under Article 169, which covers marriage with a person below the legal marriage age. Criminal proceedings have been opened in all of them. Police have urged citizens to comply with the law and to respect the rights and legal interests of girls when arranging marriages. Under Article 168 of Tajikistan’s Criminal Code, parents, guardians, and other individuals involved in arranging the marriage of a girl below the legal marriage age can face criminal liability. The law provides for corrective labor for up to two years or restriction of liberty for up to five years. Article 169 covers entering into marriage with a minor or actual cohabitation in such a union. Punishment includes fines ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 calculation units, depending on the annual rate set by the government, or corrective labor for up to two years.

Stalking

Kazakhstan Considers Tougher Penalties for Repeat Stalking Offenses

Kazakhstan is considering prison terms of up to five years for repeat stalking offenders under proposed amendments discussed in the Majilis, the lower house of parliament. Criminal liability for stalking, defined as repeated unwanted attempts to establish contact with or track a person against their will, was introduced in Kazakhstan in 2025. Current penalties include a fine of up to 200 times the monthly calculation index, corrective labor in the same amount, community service of up to 200 hours, or arrest for up to 50 days. If stalking is accompanied by violence, threats, blackmail, or privacy violations, offenders may face additional charges under other provisions of the Criminal Code, carrying prison terms of up to two years. Speaking at the parliamentary roundtable, Amangeldy Doszhanov, deputy head of the Interior Ministry’s Investigative Department, said authorities have opened 274 criminal cases since the law entered into force. Of those, 83 have been sent to court and 59 have resulted in convictions. Participants in the discussion argued that the current legislation does not adequately distinguish between isolated incidents and prolonged, systematic harassment. "The same punishment currently applies both to one-off cases of unwanted communication and to systematic stalking," said Assel Tokayeva, a member of the Astana Bar Association and chair of the disciplinary commission of Kazakhstan’s National Bar Association. Deputy Interior Minister Sanzhar Adilov said law enforcement agencies had encountered cases in which individuals convicted of stalking resumed their behavior after serving their sentences. "We are currently considering amendments to Article 115-1 of the Criminal Code," Adilov told lawmakers. "We propose introducing repeat offending as an aggravating factor and strengthening criminal liability." Under the proposed changes, repeat stalking offenses would be classified as crimes of medium gravity and could carry prison sentences of up to five years. The roundtable also reviewed measures aimed at preventing violence against women and expanding protections for victims of domestic abuse. According to Adilov, courts have prohibited 49 domestic abusers from approaching their victims since the beginning of the year, while special behavioral restrictions have been imposed on 9,200 offenders. More than 8,300 of them have been banned from consuming alcohol. The Interior Ministry reported that more than 41,000 people have been held administratively liable in domestic violence-related cases this year, while more than 11,000 offenders have received administrative arrest sentences. More than 10,000 people have also been punished for violating court-imposed restrictions and ordered to undergo mandatory psychological correction programs. Kazakhstan is not alone in expanding legal protections against stalking. As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, neighboring Kyrgyzstan moved earlier this year to introduce criminal liability for stalking as part of wider efforts to address gender-based violence.

Women's rights

8 March Women’s Rights Rally Takes Place in Bishkek

A rally in support of women’s rights took place in Bishkek's Maxim Gorky Square on March 8, International Women’s Day. More than a hundred people gathered at the square, including activists, public figures, and city residents who came to support the initiative. The rally has become one of the traditional events held in the capital of Kyrgyzstan on 8 March. For about ten years, marches and public gatherings dedicated to equal rights and women’s safety have been organized in Bishkek on this day. In previous years, participants more often held marches through the city center. However, this time the authorities allowed the event only in the format of a peaceful rally in the park. Initially, the organizers planned a march, but the gathering ultimately took place in Gorky Square. [caption id="attachment_45112" align="aligncenter" width="225"] @TCA[/caption] The rally began during the day and lasted for about an hour. Police officers monitored public order during the event. Participants gathered in small groups, held posters and banners, and discussed issues related to women’s rights and gender equality. Among those present at the rally were Member of Parliament Elvira Surabaldieva, former ombudsman Atyr Abdrakhmatova, as well as human rights defenders, content creators, and public activists. Representatives of various civic initiatives and activists who regularly take part in similar events in Bishkek were also present. Many participants brought posters addressing themes of equal rights and women’s safety. The signs included slogans against domestic violence and calls to protect women’s rights. Posters traditionally serve as the main visual element of such events, helping participants draw attention to issues of gender inequality and the need to address cases of violence. [caption id="attachment_45113" align="aligncenter" width="225"] @TCA[/caption] Rallies dedicated to women’s rights are held in Bishkek every year on March 8. They usually bring together activists and residents who want to remind the public that International Women’s Day is connected not only with celebrations but also with the historical struggle for equal rights. Despite changes in format over the years, such events remain among the most visible civic initiatives in the capital of Kyrgyzstan focused on gender equality and women’s rights.

Justice

Mirziyoyev: Violence Against Women and Children Will Not Be Tolerated in Uzbekistan

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has announced tougher measures against violence toward women and children, and unveiled new economic and education programs aimed at expanding opportunities for women across Uzbekistan. Speaking on March 6 at a ceremony in Tashkent marking International Women’s Day, the president referred to a decree he signed on March 3 that strengthens the country’s response to domestic violence. According to remarks reported by Uzbek media and the presidential press service, the decree introduces a stricter system for addressing harassment and violence against women and minors. Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan has adopted the creation of an uncompromising environment against violence as a strategic goal. “Anyone who raises a hand against women or children will either leave Uzbekistan or be forced to live according to the law,” he said during the event held at the Kuksaroy residence. Mirziyoyev also stated that the decree includes tougher penalties for certain crimes against minors. According to his remarks, in some cases crimes involving pedophilia will now carry life imprisonment. He noted that legal experts had raised objections during discussions but said he insisted on including the punishment in the decree. In addition to legal measures, Mirziyoyev outlined several initiatives focused on education, employment, and rehabilitation programs for women. According to statements made during the event, women serving sentences in correctional facilities will be given the opportunity to apply to universities and study remotely. Officials said many female inmates currently have only secondary education and lack professional skills, while some have expressed interest in pursuing higher education. To address this, the government plans to launch a program called “New Life,” which will provide vocational training for women in prisons. Participants will study for three to six months in professional training programs and receive certificates. Those who wish to enter universities will be able to take entrance exams inside correctional institutions. Women admitted to universities on a contract basis will be eligible for interest-free loans, repayable after completing their sentences and securing employment. The government also plans to expand economic support for women nationwide. According to Mirziyoyev's speech, 166,000 women will receive training in modern professions and entrepreneurship this year, while another 100,000 will study information technology skills. A separate initiative called “Daromadli Ayol” (“Profitable Woman”) will support home-based businesses. With the help of experienced entrepreneurs, the program aims to create employment for 50,000 women in areas such as handicrafts, poultry farming, beekeeping, and household agriculture. Officials also said that under the “Hamroh” program, around 1 trillion UZS (about $82,440,000) will be allocated to finance 3,000 business projects led by women. Overall, the government aims to help 1.5 million women generate income this year, including 400,000 who are expected to enter business activities. More than 25 trillion UZS (about $2,060,950,000) in financial resources will be directed toward these initiatives.

Pink Tax

Gender Pricing and Tax Policy in Kazakhstan: Does a “Pink Tax” Exist?

Women often pay more for everyday goods, from hygiene products to personal care services. In public discourse in Kazakhstan, this phenomenon is often referred to as the “pink tax.” But does such a tax exist, or are these differences the result of market pricing strategies? Is a “Pink Tax” Recognized Under Kazakhstan’s Tax Code? If understood literally as a separate levy established in the Tax Code, the so-called “pink tax” does not exist in Kazakhstan. The country’s tax system includes corporate and individual income taxes, value-added tax (VAT), excise duties, social tax, property taxes, and other mandatory payments. There is no gender-based category. In Kazakhstan, the term is generally used to describe a potential “gender markup,” where products marketed to women are priced higher than comparable versions aimed at men, even when their features are largely the same. These differences are most often observed in items such as razors, shower gels, and other personal care products, where variation may be limited to packaging or branding. However, Kazakhstan lacks large-scale, representative studies on the issue. Most claims are based on retail observations and isolated price comparisons rather than comprehensive market research. How Tax Policy Affects Essential Hygiene Products: VAT and the “Tampon Tax” Public debate increasingly uses the term “tampon tax” to describe situations where menstrual hygiene products are subject to the standard VAT rate rather than a reduced rate applied to essential goods. Starting January 1, 2026, Kazakhstan’s base VAT rate increased to 16%. Reduced VAT rates of 5% (from 2026) and 10% (from 2027), apply only to goods and services, including specific medicines and medical devices that meet established criteria. These benefits do not apply broadly to all health-related goods, only to items included in officially approved lists. If sanitary pads, tampons, and other menstrual hygiene products are not included in the approved lists, they are subject to the standard VAT rate, like most other consumer goods. The law does not treat “women’s” products as a separate taxable category. As a result, Kazakhstan does not levy a distinct “pink tax” but applies uniform VAT rules. The broader policy debate centers on whether menstrual products should be classified as essential goods for tax purposes. The social dimension is significant. According to the World Bank and UNFPA, menstrual poverty refers to limited access to hygiene products and related services such as water, sanitation, healthcare, and education. A survey conducted in Kazakhstan by Umai Cup and SOAS (2,116 participants) found that 25% of respondents had no access to hygiene products during their first menstruation, 66% used improvised materials, and 10% missed school due to an inability to purchase sanitary pads. When a recurring monthly product is taxed at the full VAT rate and rises in price along with inflation, the financial burden falls disproportionately on low-income women. For students, single mothers, and mothers of large families, this may translate into restricted access to basic hygiene. Why the “Pink Tax” Has a Greater Impact at Lower Income Levels Even without normative judgments, the economic...

Criminal justice reform

Uzbekistan Proposes Tougher Penalties for Violence Against Women and Children

Uzbekistan is preparing a comprehensive package of legal reforms aimed at eliminating violence against women and children and establishing a societal culture of zero tolerance toward abuse. The measures are outlined in a draft State Program tied to the implementation of the "Uzbekistan-2030" strategy and the national reform agenda for the Year of Mahalla Development and Community Advancement. Under the proposed reforms, criminal penalties for acts of violence against women and minors would be significantly increased. One of the most consequential provisions includes harsher sentencing for sexual crimes against children under 14, including the possibility of life imprisonment. The draft program also recommends transferring the investigation of sexual and violent crimes involving minors to the exclusive jurisdiction of the prosecutor’s office. Additionally, a specialized system of investigators and judges would be introduced, with dedicated training to handle sensitive cases involving abuse. These specialists would be responsible for both the investigation and adjudication of such cases, ensuring a more consistent and victim-centered approach. Another key component of the reform targets early and forced marriages. The program proposes administrative penalties for those who engage or betroth individuals below the legal marriage age. Sanctions could also apply to parents, guardians, or others who facilitate or promote underage unions, including those who publicly advocate for such practices. Officials say these steps are intended to entrench a culture of intolerance toward violence and to develop a more effective system for preventing early and forced marriages. The draft emphasizes the role of community-level engagement, with family and women's support centers expected to reach at least 40% of young couples through specialized educational programs. These initiatives will involve psychologists, legal professionals, and other experts to bolster domestic violence prevention efforts. If adopted, the measures are scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2026. In a related development, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health last year proposed tightening the application of chemical castration for individuals convicted of sexual offenses against children. According to draft amendments published on the Open NPA platform, Kazakhstan’s government-run portal for public discussion of draft legislation, the procedure would be administered six months prior to an inmate’s release, following a mandatory forensic psychiatric evaluation conducted up to a year in advance. Kazakhstan’s Health Ministry stated that this measure, regulated under Article 91 of the country’s Criminal Code, is designed to reduce the risk of recidivism during the immediate post-release period, which authorities view as particularly high-risk.