Despite ongoing efforts by authorities to control and penalize school absenteeism, there are still families in Tajikistan where parents refuse to send their children to school. These families face fines, but often, financial constraints make it impossible for them to provide the necessary resources for schooling. Another significant factor is a prevailing belief among some parents that education is unnecessary—especially for girls.

In August of this year, the Committee on Women and Family Affairs reported 271 cases of obstruction to compulsory education in the country over a six-month period. Many of those responsible for these violations were subjected to criminal prosecution. According to Article 164 of the Criminal Code of Tajikistan, preventing children from receiving secondary education can lead to fines ranging from 1,000 to 1,200 monthly calculation indices (approximately 75 somonis), compulsory labor from 180 to 240 hours, or imprisonment for up to two years.

Last year, the punishment for obstructing education was toughened. Previously, education up to the 9th grade was mandatory, and students could drop out after that. However, amendments to the "Education Law" now make 10th and 11th grades compulsory. This change was partly in response to criticism that girls, especially in rural areas, were often married off after 9th grade, which led to the curtailment of their education. Under the new law, parents can face criminal charges for hindering education beyond the 9th grade.

 

Rural vs. urban divide: the reality of school attendance

While it is often assumed that rural families are more likely to prevent girls from attending school, recent statistics show a slightly different picture.  According to data from the Agency for Statistics, the school attendance rate for girls in rural areas in the 2022/2023 academic year was actually higher than in urban centers, even beyond the 9th grade.

 

Why aren’t children going to school?

Larisa Alexandrovna, a lawyer and human rights activist, emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of the issue. “On one hand, there’s poverty; on the other, there’s the growing influence of conservative, patriarchal values regarding girls, where marriage is prioritized over education. The measures aimed at helping poor families often fail in conservative, radical-minded households,” she explains.

Moreover, Alexandrovna points out that the responsibility for this issue lies not only with parents but also with the state. “Tajikistan ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights in 1999, which imposes an obligation to ensure education,” she adds. Article 10 of the Covenant mandates that the state must provide the broadest possible protection and assistance to families, especially regarding children and adolescents.

 

Is the government doing enough?

According to Alexandrovna, the government does provide social support to low-income families through the Social Assistance Law. This assistance includes financial aid, food, clothing, medicines, and other essentials. However, she questions the effectiveness of this system and whether it truly meets the needs of those families.

“It’s necessary to monitor these programs transparently and address the problem honestly, rather than just punishing parents. Without a comprehensive approach, this issue will remain unresolved,” Alexandrovna says.

She advocates for a more holistic strategy, including the development of a gender-focused communication strategy aimed at both the public and state institutions. This strategy should focus on changing negative stereotypes about the roles of men and women in society and family and promote zero tolerance for violence.

 

Social mobility: the changing value of education

Sociologist Gulnora Beknazarova identifies multiple factors that may prevent children from attending school. She recounts the case of a young woman whose grandmother advised her father not to let her daughter pursue formal education, but rather to marry. “The grandmother's worldview was shaped by the Soviet era, where even minimal education opened opportunities. But today, the lack of education has far more severe consequences,” Beknazarova notes.

In the past, education served as a vehicle for social mobility—enabling individuals to improve their social standing through education, work, and personal achievements. During the Soviet era, such examples were celebrated in literature and cinema, like the story of Nourjamal, who became a professor. However, Beknazarova notes that today, the value of education is eroding, primarily due to weak economic prospects and a lack of job opportunities. "Education is no longer seen as a guarantee of a better life, which leads parents to focus on other strategies, like early marriage or work without an education," she explains.

 

The gender factor

While girls are often the focus of these discussions, Beknazarova points out that boys from low-income families may also miss out on education, as they are often sent to work to help support the family.

 

Strengthening support measures

Instead of relying on punitive measures, Beknazarova suggests strengthening support for families, particularly through programs that provide free school uniforms, stationery, social benefits for low-income families, and support for school breakfasts. She also emphasizes the need to address corruption in schools.

“It’s clear that the state needs to take a more proactive approach to solving these issues. We call on the Ministry of Education to engage in a constructive dialogue on how to resolve this problem,” concludes Beknazarova.

The issue of children not attending school is deeply intertwined with social, economic, and cultural factors. A holistic, transparent approach, combining legal enforcement with genuine support, is crucial for ensuring that all children in Tajikistan have access to quality education.