DUSHANBE, November 23, 2011, Asia-Plus — The Government of Japan provides a US$111,744 grant for “The Project for Construction of Women’s Center in Kulob City” in the framework of Grant Assistance for the Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP).
According to Japan’s Embassy in Dushanbe, the grant contract for the project was signed by Mr. Hiroyuki Imahashi, Ambassador, Embassy of Japan in Dushanbe and Ms. Qurbongul Qosimova, Head of Public Organization “Najoti Kudakon” on November 22.
Securing the social safety net is one of the crucial issues in Tajikistan as it is often neglected to provide social protection against vulnerable women, especially those who are affected by domestic violence. The Public Organization “Najoti Kudakon” has played an active role in improving women’s access to protection, including legal advice and psychosocial counseling, with the support of the Open Society Institute and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Office in Tajikistan. The organization has also worked closely with local authorities and community leaders to secure in-kind support.
In order to create an appropriate environment, the project will construct a new two-story building with 12 rooms as a women’s center and shelter for victims of domestic violence. The building in Kulob will enable the organization to manage a variety of activities such as juridical, psychological and medical consultations for persons in need. More than 800 women who live in and around the city of Kulob will directly get benefit by the project. Moreover, cooking, sewing and computer courses will be conducted in this center. It is expected that people’s awareness about women’s rights will be enhanced and the empowerment of women will be promoted, improving the living conditions of women and families in the Kulob area.
Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) is provided to local governments, educational/ medical institutions and International NGOs in developing countries. GGP supports projects in the human security sectors at the grassroots level. Since 1996, GGP has extended more than US$ 20.6 million for 278 projects in Tajikistan.
