Turkmenistan spans 189,656 square miles in Central Asia and operates under a strict totalitarian regime that severely restricts its citizens’ freedoms, including religious practices and media access. In 2021, the country reported that 16,000 people lived in multidimensional poverty, with an additional 22,000 at risk. The nation’s isolation and oppressive government policies make daily life challenging. Women experience profound disadvantages, facing various forms of violence and lacking opportunities to participate in organizational or advocacy roles. Consequently, about 60% of women in Turkmenistan cannot make independent decisions about their health care, underscoring the significant gender inequalities prevalent in the society.

Restrictions on Women’s Freedoms

The restrictions on women in Turkmenistan extend beyond health care and organizational rights. Recently, a “Taliban-style ban” has been imposed, prohibiting women from wearing tight clothing and using beauty enhancements such as hair dye, fake lashes and nails. Additionally, the ban extends to cosmetic surgeries, including popular procedures like lip fillers and eyebrow microblading. Women who previously had these enhancements or who attempted to bypass these restrictions are facing severe consequences, including job loss and police detention.

Enforcement and Consequences

Turkmenistan has further curtailed women’s freedoms by restricting their transportation options, barring them from sitting in the front seats of cars or being picked up by male drivers who are not relatives. These regulations were not formally announced but are strictly enforced. Authorities rigorously inspect women in both private and public settings to ensure compliance with these transportation and beauty standards. Women found violating these rules face severe penalties, including arrest, job termination and fines that are substantial relative to their monthly income.

International Aid and Women’s Advocacy

Despite numerous challenges, women in Turkmenistan can find support from international organizations aiming to improve their futures. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations (U.N.) Population Fund are actively involved in this mission. The U.N. Population Fund, in collaboration with state parties, is providing housing, shelter and work opportunities for women affected by violence in Turkmenistan. Simultaneously, UNDP initiatives are enhancing local infrastructure, supplying clean resources and energy and bolstering peace efforts. Additionally, USAID supports women by equipping national civil servants with the skills necessary to promote gender equality, offering a critical platform for change in the lives of Turkmen women.

Looking Ahead

International organizations like USAID, UNDP and the U.N. Population Fund continue to provide crucial support to women in Turkmenistan, despite the severe restrictions they face. These ongoing efforts include providing shelters, work opportunities and essential resources, along with promoting gender equality and peace initiatives. By equipping local civil servants and enhancing infrastructure, these organizations aim to create a more equitable and supportive environment for Turkmen women, offering hope amid challenging conditions.

– Yeliz Turkdil

Yeliz is based in Norman, OK, USA and focuses on World News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr