Expanding Livelihood Opportunities for Women from Yaghnob Valley

2026-09-25 14:00

From 16 to 18 September 2026, a group of eight women from Yaghnob Valley took part in a study tour to Ayni and Panjakent, where they visited women-led businesses, public and social organizations, handicraft workshops, cultural institutions, and community initiatives.

“Women in Yaghnob rarely have an opportunity to travel outside the valley because of its remoteness and their many household responsibilities. When they do travel, it is usually for essential needs such as medical services or obtaining official documents. Through this study tour, we wanted to introduce them to different activities led by women in nearby districts, broaden their perspectives, and help them think about possible ways to diversify their livelihoods back in Yaghnob”, says Anisa Abibulloeva, project coordinator.

On the first day, the participants visited the Kuhsor Public Organization in Ayni, which works as a women’s resource center and supports women through awareness-raising, consultations, and initiatives related to their rights and opportunities. The group then travelled to a handicraft center in Madm, where local women produce traditional carpets and accessories. Participants learned about the materials and techniques used in handicraft production and discussed how locally available resources can be turned into useful and marketable products.

The women also visited the “777” pastry business, where they had an opportunity to see an example of a successful business managed and operated by women. During the second day of the study tour, the group travelled to Panjakent. At the city’s cultural center, participants learned more about traditional embroidery and the skills of local craftswomen.

For many participants, the study tour was not only an opportunity to learn about new livelihood activities but also a rare chance to exchange experiences with other women and see what is possible within their own region.

“I had only been to Sarvoda (nearest town to Yaghnob 125 km away) when I needed to get my passport and had never travelled further. During this study tour, for the first time in my life, I was able to see the different professional activities women are involved in in Ayni and Panjakent. I especially liked the handicraft center in Madm and what they make from sheep’s wool. In Yaghnob, we do not know how to properly process the wool, so we usually throw it away. Now I know that it can be used to make carpets and many different accessories,” said one of the participants.

The experience provided the women with new ideas for using locally available resources, developing practical skills, and exploring additional livelihood opportunities that could complement their traditional activities in Yaghnob Valley.

The project "Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Women's Participation in the Mountain Communities of Yaghnob" phase II is implemented with the financial support of SIDA in partnership with the Centralasiengrupperna and co-funded by WECF.