On 8 March, the world celebrates International Women’s Day to mark women’s political, social, economic, and cultural achievements. On this occasion, we collected inspiring stories of female staff of the Civil Registry System to acknowledge their remarkable work, highlight their achievements and significant contribution to the system. 

Shahodat Khaidarova, Independent Consultant in the Civil Registration Department 

Shahodat is a distinguished role model who has demonstrated dedication, commitment, and hard work, inspiring the civil registration staff. With 40 years of experience as an accomplished lawyer, she has actively participated in developing a contemporary model of the civil registration system. After her retirement, she devoted her time to mentoring women on a voluntary basis.

 “Working Tajik women face many difficulties in the modern world, including a lack of life balance, family issues, and sometimes unfair treatment at the workplace. 

Women also need support when they are beginning their careers or changing careers.  A mentor can help them become successful, teach them how to stand up for themselves, and advance gender equality”, said Shahodat.
Upon launching the UNDP Civil Registry System Reform Project, Shahodat played a crucial role in digitizing the civil registration system as a consultant. She assisted in developing the Civil Registration Department’s website and capacity-building program for the civil registry senior and middle management staff.
 

Sarvinoz Mirzoahmadzoda, Senior Civil Registry Specialist

Sarvinoz joined the civil registry system in 2009. She has served as a Senior Specialist at the Rudaki Civil Registry Office for the past four years. Rudaki is the largest district in the country, with a population of over 500,000, and is a rural and highly complex area. With Sarvinoz support, the Rudaki Civil Registry Office quickly transformed into a successful flagship civil registry office. 

She has demonstrated active, hardworking performance and a proficient understanding of her role, receiving an average of 70 visitors daily to process and enter their civil registration records. 

“Why I chose to work in the civil registration system? It is an important field. Our society gains from the civil registration of vital events, such as births, marriages, divorces, adoptions, and deaths. Unregistered people may be unable to exercise their rights to education, health, property, inheritance, vote, and benefit from social welfare”, said Sarvinoz.  

Sarvinoz has been instrumental in establishing the first civil registry office operating under a new business model in Rudaki, supported by UNDP Civil Registry System Reform Project. 

Zaymuddin Nizoramoh, Archive Specialist

We rarely hear stories about professionals who work in archives. Nizoramoh is a role model for female professionals who seek to unlock opportunities and promote gender equality. Her parents encouraged and supported her to earn 2 degrees: in history and law. With over 10 years of dedicated work in the civil registration system, Nizoramoh is a recognized expert currently managing the Firdavsi Civil Registry Office archive. Her archive is always organized and neat.

“Why are archives important? They are invaluable sources of data about people and events. The archived records tell us stories from the past and help us understand who we are”, shared with us Nizoramoh. 
Since 2020, the UNDP Civil Registry System Reform has assisted the Civil Registration Department in digitizing its archives, as some parts of the civil registration system still rely on paper records.

Sarvina Khakimiyon, IT Specialist 

Often women are underrepresented in the IT field due to gender stereotypes and social norms that constrain women's interest in modern technologies. Sarvina is an exemplary member of a young generation of female specialists in digital technologies.

"Why did I choose a tech field? Technology is advancing rapidly every day, and it is a male-dominated field. My father and brothers are IT professionals. We need gender diversity in this field. I want to drive innovations", said Sarvina.   
Coming from a family of IT specialists, Sarvina obtained her Mathematics and Mechanic Engineering degree from the Tajik National University and pursued a tech career path. She began her career as a Call Center Operator in the IT Unit of the Ministry of Justice providing technical ICT support to colleagues from CR Offices. Sarvina is now supporting the innovations in the civil registration system and working towards her Ph.D.