Gender Equality in Turkmenistan…

I’ve been very fortunate to live in Turkmenistan for extended periods of time to conduct research on Islam, excavate medieval Islamic archaeology, and help preserve Sufi shrines on the Silk Road. I love Turkmenistan, and I’m grateful for all of the friends that I’ve made while living there. Women of all ages in Turkmenistan have welcomed me into their homes to share with me the richness of Turkmen culture and spirituality. Recently, at the summit for global development at the United Nations, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan announced that Turkmenistan intends to develop gender equality during the next few years. He stated: “We have set targets to achieve full gender equality and provide opportunities for self-fulfillment for all women and girls. The fulfillment of these goals is our common goal.” I know that many Turkmen women and girls will benefit from this ambitious plan — and I’m hoping to return soon to Turkmenistan to see how they implement these goals…