Women in Turkmenistan

Women in Turkmenistan

Turkmen woman, 2006
Gender Inequality Index
Value NR
Rank NR
Maternal mortality (per 100,000) 67 (2010)
Women in parliament 16.8% (2012)
Females over 25 with secondary education NA
Women in labour force 46.4% (2011)
Global Gender Gap Index
Value NR
Rank NR out of 136

The role of women in Turkmenistan has never conformed to Western stereotypes about Muslim women.[1] Although a division of labor exists and women usually are not visible actors in political affairs outside the home, Turkmen women have never worn a veil similar to that of the women of some of its neighboring countries.[1] As Turkmenistan is a tribal nation, customs regarding women can vary within the country: for example, women in the eastern part of the country are permitted to drink some alcohol whereas women who live in the central portion of the country, particularly those of the Tekke tribe, are not permitted to imbibe alcohol. Most women possess a host of highly specialized skills and crafts, especially those connected with the household and its maintenance.[1] During the Soviet period, women assumed responsibility for the observance of some Muslim rites to protect their husbands' careers.[1] Many women entered the work force out of economic necessity, a factor that disrupted some traditional family practices and increased the incidence of divorce.[1] At the same time, educated urban women entered professional services and careers.[1]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "Social structure". Turkmenistan: A country study. Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress of the USA (March 1996).  This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.

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