Women in Turkmenistan

Women in Turkmenistan comprise 50.8% of the country's population.^[1] They generally have assigned roles in society and reduced rights compared to men. Study of women's rights in the country is made difficult by government censorship and lack of reliable, official data.

Under Article 18 of the Constitution of Turkmenistan, women are guaranteed equal rights to men.^[2] In practice, however, they face routine political and societal discrimination. Women are not allowed to form independent women's organizations, and all such organizations must be registered under the Women's Union of Turkmenistan.^[3] They make up 16.8% of the country's Parliament. Most women work in the home, as mothers or homemakers, or in the markets as sellers.^[4] Though the country's Islamic roots are several centuries old, Turkmen women never were and are not required to wear a face covering. Turkmen women have always been more outspoken and more socially active than women in neighbouring countries.