Political Representation of Women in Tajikistan and Iran

Political Representation of Women in Tajikistan and Iran


Khushkadamova K.O.

Dr. Sci. (Sociol.), Prof., Indian, Iranian and African Languages Department of the MGIMO University, Moscow, Russia. columnist07@mail.ru

Berezina A.V.

Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, Indian, Iranian and African Languages Department of the MGIMO University, Moscow, Russia. a.berezina@inno.mgimo.ru

ID of the Article:


For citation:

Khushkadamova K.O., Berezina A.V. Political Representation of Women in Tajikistan and Iran. Sotsiologicheskie issledovaniya [Sociological Studies]. 2022. No 9. P. 84-93




Abstract

The publication focuses on an analysis of women’s participation in the decision-making process and politics in the Republic of Tajikistan (RT) and the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI). In the new conditions of social development there is an opportunity not only to revive contacts between the two peoples of the same culture, but also to proclaim the interests of that social group whose representation in the parliament and the leadership positions in both countries has increased in recent years. RT and IRI women support their sisters in Tajik-Persian culture, the Afghan women, who are excluded from participation in the public life when the new political power in the IRA is consolidated. The chosen theme is relevant because it shows increasing inclusion of the women in politics along with the gradual upgrading of the status of this social group. To a certain extent, the article debunks the prevailing stereotype about the obedience and insecurities of Eastern women, showing that women in Tajikistan and Iran are mobile, active and know their rights. However, the retrograde nature of societies, along with women’s limited financial resources, lack of time and sometimes lack of family support, create obstacles to increasing women’s inclusion in decision-making at all levels of government. The authors have reviewed the legal and regulatory framework of Russian and foreign research on the chosen topic, analyzed the biographies of women politicians and monitored the status of women, particularly in politics and governance. The institutional mechanisms for achieving gender equality in the two countries, the degree of women’s participation in public administration and legislatures, media publications, etc. were analyzed; the contribution of women to politics and governance in Tajikistan and the IRI was assessed. The authors have identified specifics of women’s participation in parliaments and public authorities, and made a conclusion about the opportunities and barriers for raising the status of women in the field of government. The study shows a low level of women’s representation in government, slow implementation of legal acts concerning women’s issues and gender inequalities in practice.


Keywords
Tajikistan; IRI; women; gender; politics; government; Parliament
Content No 9, 2022