The authorities of Turkmenistan have recently launched a new large-scale state program for developing women and youth—significant progress for Turkmenistan on the path of social and economic integration. The project, which was launched recently together with partners like UNDP, is aimed at helping women and young people in the country by offering them vocational training, support in business, and education. The project has been launched at the right time for Turkmenistan, as today it is more focused on the diversification of the economy and social progress. “Promoting women and youths’ participation is crucial for Turkmenistan’s economic growth in the future,” said the UNDP’s resident representative, Narine Sahakyan, at the project’s launch. “This project will enable them to be empowered with necessary resources to enable them to transform into productive citizens and contribute to the future development of the country.”

It is, therefore, expected to solve major problems such as youth unemployment and limited career progression for women, especially in the rural regions. The project also aims at providing opportunities for skill enhancement in matters like computer literacy, business ventures, and farming with an overall vision of creating avenues to income-generating activities. The government of Turkmenistan has also admitted that these efforts are critical to its long-term vision as well. A government spokesperson put it this way, “Any development that supports our young people and women is development for the future of the nation.” The initiative complements other objectives of Turkmenistan for the future, including the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals in the field of gender equality and decent work for everyone.

Source: The Times of Central Asia, UNDP