Women and sport in the Republic of Tajikistan

Abstract

This article analyses the participation of women and girls as well as persons with disabilities in sport and physical education in Tajikistan. Women’s participation is not studied academically. Ethnic Tajik women’s participation in professional sport during Soviet times was limited. It increased in the post-independence period. Women can be found in martial arts and kickboxing. Despite these developments, women’s participation in physical education, professional sports, training and management of sports remain marginal. Gender inequality is persistent in Tajikistan in all areas of life, including professional sports and physical education. Participation of girls and women in community sports is limited because public-domain and traditional sports in Tajikistan are male-dominated. Women’s participation in sport was not systematically addressed by the national government, women’s movement or international organisations supporting initiatives aimed at gender equality. Tajikistan’s patriarchal society and perception of the role of women and men is also reproduced in sports and physical education. Following the review of the participation of women in sports and physical education, several measures are suggested in this article.