On the occasion of International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day, the Asia-Plus Media Group organized a charity initiative, delivering books and essential supplies to the women’s correctional facility in Nurek. The initiative involved not only the company’s staff but also its readers and partners.
In total, the facility received more than 500 books in Russian, Tajik and English, as well as drawing albums, notebooks, pencils and other stationery items for children. The donation also included baby food and hygiene products.
According to the organizers, the books were a particularly welcome gift. The prison already has its own library containing over 6,000 books, but many of them are outdated. The initiative was supported by Mansourjon Umarov, head of Tajikistan’s Main Department for the Execution of Criminal Punishments.
The country’s only women’s prison currently houses more than 400 women and 11 children, including four pregnant inmates.
Children stay with their mothers in the facility until the age of three, after which they are usually transferred to relatives. Mothers with young children and pregnant women are accommodated in separate areas and remain under constant supervision.
Work and self-development
The prison operates a sewing workshop, where about 45 women receive training and work. They produce uniforms for inmates as well as workwear for other government institutions under contract.
The facility also includes rooms dedicated to decorative and applied arts.
In addition, a small pasta production workshop operates at the prison, supplying products not only to the facility itself but also to other correctional institutions across the country. Officials say such initiatives help improve working conditions and allow inmates to develop professional skills.
According to the deputy head of the facility, Vanjigul Langarshoeva, the inmates themselves often initiate cultural and educational activities.
Currently, the penal colony is hosting competitions titled “Shahnameh,” “Morning Light in the Knowledge of Books,” and “Tajiks in the Mirror of History.” Winners will be awarded certificates by March 15, and success in these contests may also increase the number of short- and long-term visits with relatives.
In conversations with journalists, several inmates expressed gratitude to the administration for the living conditions and the opportunities for education and self-development.
