UNFPA during its year’s long partnership with the Committee on Religious Affairs and Regulation of National Traditions, Celebrations, and Ceremonies (CoRA) has successfully enabled Muslim religious leaders to communicate correct information on the issues of HIV, sexual and reproductive health and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence to their constituents. Further, inclusion of sexual and reproductive health related themes into Friday prayers throughout the country as well as broadcasting of radio and TV programmes strengthened the awareness of most conservative groups in Tajikistan as to prevention of HIV and sexually transmitted infections. This partnerships and work with faith-based organizations is key to enhance efforts to prevent Violence against women and girls, early marriages and other types of harmful practices and promote gender equality.

As part of the efforts to increase the awareness of Muslim religious leaders, UNFPA through the Committee on Religious Affairs and Regulation of National Traditions, Celebrations, and Ceremonies has announced an open competition for presentation of the best article on prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence among imamkhatibs and imams of mosques.

The United Nations Population Fund implemented the following competition with the Tajikistan Family Planning Association through the financial support of the UK Government.

Around 50 articles have been submitted by Muslim religious leaders from various districts of Tajikistan. All submissions were assessed and graded by the Evaluation Board consisting of representatives from CoRA. On September 18, 2020 in the complex "Dushanbe Plaza" the official award ceremony with the participation of the winners was held. The awarding ceremony was also attended by the leadership and staff of the Committee of Religion, Regulation of Traditions, Celebrations and Ceremonies under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, representatives of the United Nations Population Fund, the British Embassy in Dushanbe and the Tajikistan Family Planning Association.

The winner of the competition was announced- Nurullo Hidoyatov, imam -khatib of the mosque of Konibodom city (Sughd province) with his story – “Дар тарозуи ақл” (First Think, Then Act). The following story reflected real life situation of young couple with 4 children, who due to some family issues filed for divorce. However, this case was considered by Public Organization “Payrohai Khushbakhti” under the Committee on Women and Family Affairs of Konibodom city.

Nurullo Hidoyatov who heard both parts came to the conclusion that there is no serious conflict between the young couple and putting it all together, through real life samples and Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, Nurullo Hidoyatov was able to save and prevent the collapse of the family. “Whoever has a strong relationship with his relatives is a revelation of God, who connects him, makes him love and mercy, honors him with his grace. Whoever has a bad relationship with his relatives, Almighty God will deprive him of his dignity, mercy and grace…”- pointed in the article.

The following story was a real sample of contribution and influence of imams and religious leaders to conflict resolution in families and combat gender based violence.

It should be noted that Muhammadsaid Sharofiddin, Head of the Committee of Religion, Regulation of Traditions, Celebrations and Ceremonies of Sino District of Dushanbe and Abdu Haqnazarov the head of the central mosque of Tursunzade got second and third places. The winners were awarded diplomas and contest prizes.

The best submitted articles will be published in the religious and socio-cultural magazine "Religion and Society" which will allow the readers to enjoy reading.