New Law on Social Entrepreneurship Set to Strengthen Vulnerable Communities in Tajikistan
The drafting of a law on social entrepreneurship marks an important step toward supporting marginalized communities and fostering social impact through business in Tajikistan. Social entrepreneurship has long been a concept that needs a clear legal framework in Tajikistan. The new law defines social enterprises as socially responsible businesses that support vulnerable groups, produce essential goods, and provide much-needed services.
This law was partly brought to life by the Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law (BHR), an organization led by Nargis Zokirova. With support from Eurasia Foundation’s Social Innovation in Central Asia (SICA) program, the BHR team helped draft the law, organized a study tour to Moldova for members of the legal working group, and hosted public hearings to ensure community voices were heard. These efforts have ensured that the law will meet the needs of local NGOs, overcome legislative barriers, and advance social entrepreneurship throughout Tajikistan.
“Our organization has a long-standing relationship with the Parliament of Tajikistan, particularly with Jamshed Murtazozoda, who leads the working group for the law,” shares Nargis. “In 2023, we presented our work at Eurasia Foundation’s International Conference on Social Entrepreneurship in Dushanbe. During the event, Murtazozoda emphasized the need for a dedicated law on social entrepreneurship. Shortly after, we secured a grant from Eurasia Foundation, allowing us to make this vision a reality.”
To track the project’s progress, the team developed a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system. This approach ensured transparent results through different mechanisms such as tracking events, evaluating outcomes, and overseeing finances.
In March 2024, the working group, along with representatives of government bodies, public organizations, and international stakeholders, convened for a roundtable discussion on the draft law. The urgency of such legislation was clear: NGOs in Tajikistan often face challenges in engaging in entrepreneurial activities due to unclear regulations and limited resources. The new law will address these obstacles, creating an environment where social enterprises can thrive and make a lasting impact.
As the law nears finalization, expected by the end of 2024, its implementation promises to bring transformative change to Tajikistan. “This law aligns with Tajikistan’s National Development Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals. It provides a sustainable path for NGOs, allowing them to better serve their communities and create a stronger, more inclusive society,” says Nargis. With the passage of this law, Tajikistan is set to unlock the potential of social enterprises, offering hope and new opportunities to its most vulnerable citizens. The legislation on social entrepreneurship encourages innovative solutions to the country’s social challenges, stimulates local economic growth, and enhances social inclusion by creating new job opportunities for marginalized groups, such as low-income individuals, people with disabilities, and formerly incarcerated persons.
