International Taekwon‑Do Federation

On November 27, 2021, UNFPA and the National Taekwon‑Do and Kickboxing Federation of Tajikistan hosted an event under the Global Campaign "16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence ", which is held annually around the world from November 25 to December 11.

Over 180 people participated in the event, including young athletes and their parents, representatives of the National Taekwon‑Do and Kickboxing Federation of Tajikistan, the Badminton Federation of Tajikistan and UNFPA.

“Globally, almost every third woman has experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in her life. We welcome the efforts of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan to reform legislation on domestic violence and strengthen a multisectoral approach, which, we hope, will lead to the criminalization of gender-based violence, while ensuring the full and comprehensive protection of women and children. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the National Federation of Taekwondo and Kickboxing of the Republic of Tajikistan and the National Federation of Badminton of the Republic of Tajikistan for fruitful cooperation in the field of increasing gender sensitivity in the sports environment, preventing violence and discrimination against women and developing positive masculinity in the fight against gender stereotypes and violence. " - Ms. Nargis Rakhimova, Head of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) office in Tajikistan, said in her welcoming speech.

“For more than 10 years, the National Taekwon‑Do and Kickboxing Federation of Tajikistan has been promoting the prevention of gender-based violence in the country. The result of our joint efforts is that we have 13 girls holding the title of world champions. This is a huge achievement in sports. Many thanks to UNFPA for their support. Sport contributes to the empowerment of girls. Our responsibility is to help them reach their full potential, to help them build their future and our society. " Said in his welcoming speech, Mr. Mirsaid Yakhyaev, President of the National Taekwondo ITF and Kickboxing Federation

The guests of the event were able to enjoy the performances of young talents - young athletes of the National Taekwondo and Kickboxing Federation of the Republic of Tajikistan and master classes of the Paralympic champions of the National Badminton Federation of the Republic of Tajikistan. The program of the event included demonstration performances, quizzes and fun games.

During the event, all the protesters received symbolic medals with the campaign slogan “16 days of activism against violence against women”.

Also, on behalf of the Country Office of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the National Taekwon‑Do and Kickboxing Federation and the Badminton Federation of the Republic received  gratitude award for the productive cooperation in the field of promoting gender equality.