3 November 2023, Dushanbe – Labour migrants make a significant contribution to the economy – both in their host country and their country of origin. Personal remittances are equivalent to more than one-third of Tajikistan’s GDP. In 2022, remittances equaled nearly 51% of the GDP. Migrants are an integral fabric of Tajik society. Around 40% of Tajik households have at least one family member who is working abroad. Money that migrants send is an important source of income for many families in Tajikistan. And, in many households the only source of income. Most Tajik migrants are men and if the remittances stop and the migrant decides to settle down in his host country, this leaves their spouses and children very vulnerable. Many women in Tajikistan whose spouses are no longer providing them with financial assistance find themselves in a dire situation. Limited education and lack of technical skills make it even harder for them to earn a living and take care of their families.

In this context, women in Tajikistan may find themselves shouldering the responsibilities of managing households and supporting their children in the absence of their migrant husbands. This role, while filled with resilience, is fraught with numerous difficulties, including economic hardship, limited access to essential services, and social isolation.

Recognizing the unique struggles faced by these families, the United Nations (UN) agencies, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and UN Women, embarked on a collaborative initiative known as the 'Empowerment of 'Families Left Behind' for Improved Migration Outcomes in Khatlon, Tajikistan.' This initiative aimed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by women and children left behind due to migration and has recently concluded with its final Steering Committee and closure event.

The Final Steering Committee and Closure Event: A Celebration of Achievements and New Beginnings

The final Steering Committee and closure event of the 'Empowerment of 'Families Left Behind' project brought together beneficiaries from Kulob and Dusti, NGO implementing partners, partners from the local municipalities and national government stakeholders to reflect on the journey thus far and chart a course for the future. This event was a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential for positive change in the lives of vulnerable communities.

The key findings and discussions during this event shed light on the project's impact and the lessons learned for future initiatives:

1. Success and Benefits of Joint Implementation: The collaborative efforts of several UN agencies, each bringing its unique expertise to the table, were commended during the meeting. The synergy of their approaches and resources led to a more comprehensive response to the complex challenges faced by these families. The positive outcomes of this collaborative approach emphasized the value of a multifaceted response to migration-related issues.
2. Action Plan for Continuation of Work: The need to develop an Action Plan to continue this critical work beyond the scope of the UN-supported project. The commitment to sustaining and expanding the initiatives highlights the dedication of all partners involved, signaling a promising future for families left behind in Tajikistan.
3. The Need for Longer Timelines: Participants recognized that the next phase of this project should allow for more extended timelines to ensure that activities are implemented with care, thoroughness, and attention to detail. Longer timelines will enable a more in-depth and holistic approach to addressing the needs of families left behind.

Concluding Remarks: Empowering 'Families Left Behind' – ‘give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach a person to fish and you feed them for a lifetime.’

In concluding remarks, the Deputy Minister of Labour, Migration and Employment officially requested the continuation of the MMPTF-funded project and its expansion to other regions in Tajikistan with high rates of labor migration. The Deputy Minister of Labour expressed her readiness to provide information about these regions and welcomed UN support to extend this essential work.

As the NGO Akhtari Bakht aptly summarized, "I always use this metaphor with our women: ‘We could just give you fish, but this project is about giving you the rod and teaching you to fish. This way, you have access to the whole ocean and can get the fish for yourselves.’” The project's comprehensive approach has indeed empowered these 'families left behind' to take charge of their own futures.

The closure of the 'Empowerment of 'Families Left Behind' project represents a significant milestone in the collective effort to empower women and children left behind due to migration in Tajikistan. The event showcased the project's accomplishments and the importance of a collaborative, multi-agency approach to address the complex issues faced by these families. As the journey continues, there is a clear commitment to extending the reach of support, expanding the scope of services, and ensuring that 'families left behind' in Tajikistan are provided with the tools, resources, and opportunities to access the vast ocean of possibilities, ultimately improving their lives and fostering resilience within the community.

This project was made possible by funds from the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MMPTF).