TAJIKISTAN
At CAI, we believe empowering women is the most effective way to reduce poverty, strengthen families, and foster lasting community resilience. That’ s why donor support fuels our Women’ s Economic Empowerment Programs— initiatives that equip women with the skills, tools, and confidence to participate in local economies and transform their lives.
The programs were first started in Tajikistan, where CAI laid the foundation for women to create their own paths to financial freedom by offering them practical business training and entrepreneurial support. Building on this success, the model expanded to Pakistan and now CAI is launching a pilot Women’ s Economic Empowerment Program in Afghanistan, tailored to address unique local challenges and help women there begin to reclaim their financial independence. In the stories ahead, you’ ll learn how these programs are helping women reshape their beliefs about what’ s possible for themselves, their families, and future generations.
Left: Participants in CAIT’ s Women’ s Livelihood Program sit before sewing machines, creating their business products. Right: Textiles and clothing-in-progress on display from participants in CAIT’ s Women’ s Economic Empowerment Program.
TAJIKISTAN
In Kalai Khumb along the Pyandzh River in Tajikistan, 46-year-old Maisara spent most of her days raising children and managing household chores. She enjoyed her role as a mother and caretaker and rarely thought about life beyond her home. In her spare time, she practiced traditional Tajik embroidery and sewing, never imagining her hobby could become a source of income.
That changed when she joined Central Asia Institute Tajikistan ' s( CAIT) Women ' s Economic Empowerment Program, which offers practical training in financial literacy, business planning, and entrepreneurship.“ The most important thing for me was learning how to manage money and plan properly,” Maisara recalls.“ Before, I never thought seriously about business, but the training gave me the confidence to try.”
With 1,500 Tajikistani somoni( about $ 157 USD) from her family’ s savings, Maisara bought fabric and supplies and began producing handmade goods. Though balancing work and home life was difficult at first, her business steadily grew.“ Before, my husband and son had to cover everything. Now, I can contribute. They respect me more.”
Maisara’ s transformation reflects the broader impact of
CAI’ s Women’ s Economic Empowerment Programs. In a recent evaluation, 91 % of participants reported increased self-confidence, and 97 % saw growth in their household income after completing the training.
Today, Maisara mentors over 60 girls, teaches at the district employment center, and leads the local women’ s council, showing that the domino effect of empowerment can extend far beyond one home.“ The training changed my way of thinking,” she says with a smile.“ I believe that if women have the right support, we can all succeed.”
Since 2019, CAI’ s economic empowerment programs in Tajikistan have reached more than 360 women— including 150 new participants this year alone. With an average training and start-up cost of just $ 367 per beneficiary, the results are powerful and manifold: 71 % of participants now report better access to healthcare, and 73 % have improved access to education, both due to an increase in household income.
Stories like Maisara’ s are a testament to what’ s possible when women are given tools, training, and trust. With the right support, they’ re not just building businesses; they’ re building stronger families, communities, and futures.
2025-2026 JOURNEY OF HOPE | 15