On 11 May 2023, the members of WiN Tajikistan visited the OJSC "AZOT" Plant and the “Sarband” Hydro Power Plant in Levakand of Khatlon Region of the Republic of Tajikistan. 

The purpose of the visit:
- To promote the activities of women scientists and professionals from various fields of science and technology of WIN Tajikistan in cities and districts of the Republic of Tajikistan;
- forming scientific and cultural network with women from other districts and cities of the Republic to further develop women's initiatives and cooperation and enhance the role of women in society.

The relevance of the visit: Despite significant progress in achieving gender equality in Tajikistan in various fields, women still face discrimination in professional fields, including science, technology and innovation.   Therefore, the promotion of women engaged in these fields is an important and urgent task for building intellectual capital in Tajikistan. 

After arriving at OJSC "AZOT", the WiN Tajikistan members were met by the technical director of the plant, Mr. Gadoev Tojiddin, who accompanied the group all the way to the production site. 

According to the agenda of the visit, the General Director of the plant Mr. Umejon Sharipov, made a welcoming speech. He noted that the plant is the pioneer among large chemical enterprises in the Republic of Tajikistan. The plant started its work in 1967 with two production lines of ammonia producing 110.0 thousand tons and urea 180.0 thousand tons per year. The plant produces urea for agriculture, carbon dioxide (CO2) for food industry and technical needs, gaseous oxygen (O2) for medicine and metal welding, liquid nitrogen (N2) for livestock farming, liquid ammonia (NH3) for industrial refrigeration plants. OJSC "AZOT" products are sold not only within the country, but also are exported beyond its borders to far and near abroad. During his speech, Mr. Sharipov told about the engineering and technical staff, including the activities of women working at the plant and their contribution to its development. 
 

Mr. Umejon Sharipov noted that this year, the Founder of Peace and National Unity - the Leader of the Nation, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon has visited the plant and positively assessed the work on repair and modernization of production. The modern control systems "Centum VP" and "ProSafe RS" have been installed at the plant. Control and measuring equipment and emergency protection systems have also been completely replaced at production facilities using equipment from world-renowned companies, including "Siemens", "Samson", "Emerson", "Metran" and ABB. During the visit, the Head of Republic has got acquainted with the production process, operation of modern equipment and established technologies, and has drawn the attention of the industry managers to the production of high quality products and training of young qualified specialists.

Ms. Fayziddinzoda Bunafsha, the Mayor of the Levakand city, was also attended at the meeting. She highlighted the role of women and youth in the development of the city, and especially emphasized the activities of women in the industrial enterprises of the region. Ms. Fayziddinzoda Bunafsha noted the importance of strengthening cooperation of women and youth with scientific organizations of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan and higher schools of the country.

Gaibullaeva Zumrat presented the purpose of the visit of WiN Tajikistan members, the role of women scientists of the Republic of Tajikistan in the development of science, as well as her teaching activities on training of OJSC "AZOT" staff.

Sayfieva Zarina – the President of WiN Tajikistan mentioned the history of foundation, activity and goals of the National Chapter. She thanked the management of the industrial enterprise OJSC "AZOT" and Goverment of Levakand city for facilitating the organization of the meeting between the women of WIN Tajikistan and representatives of the enterprise. She stressed the importance of forming scientific and cultural relations with the representatives of the enterprise and the region.

 
Khakimova Nodira, Gaibullaeva Zumrat, Mamadyusufova Menu and Abdullaeva Saodat, members of WIN Tajikistan discussed the possible ways and means of cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, Zarina Sayfieva presented commemorative gifts to the management of OJSC "AZOT".

A working meeting was held at the production site with women working in the factory as part of the tour of the facility.

The women took part in working meeting: 

Ruzieva Shokhida - automation and process control engineer;
Rakhimova Surayo – apparatus user of "Natural gas purification" workshop; 
Naimova Raikhongul - master of relay protection and automation of technological production processes;
Yusupova Bakhti and Isoeva Farzona – apparatus users at Urea workshop;
Yakhyoeva Niso - head of production laboratory; 
Mahmadalieva Shahlo and Dzhurahonova Sobira - laboratory technicians at the Water Treatment shop;
Kirdlyashkina Anna - design technician;
Muzaffarova Mamagul - master of Ammonia production shop;
Rakhimova Mehrinisso - air separation workshop technician at the plant. 

They presented their activities, production and personal achievements. During the discussion they also spoke about increasing women's involvement in production and staff training, as well as expressing their interest in working together with WIN Tajikistan. 

After a technical tour on OJSC "AZOT", WIN Tajikistan members visited the “Sarband” HPP. 

The Director General Mr. Makhmadkhonov Jamshed welcomed the group at the “Sarband” HPP. During the meeting, he mentioned that “Sarband” hydroelectric power plant with a design capacity of 240 MW is the fifth large energy facility in operation on the Vakhsh River of the Republic of Tajikistan. 

The construction of the hydropower plant, based on the Sharshara plant, started back in 1956 and its first unit was commissioned in 1962. At present, the Sarband Hydro Power Plant employs 162 workers, including 25 women, and has an engineering staff of 75. In order to ensure the safety and reliable use of the hydropower plant, shore protection works are being carried out in the link canal and it is planned to pour concrete from 455m to 460.5m in the volume of 1800m3 with a length of 90m.

During the meeting, the WIN Tajikistan members asked Mr. Jamshed about scientific implementations in plant operation, safety and seismic resistance, as well as women's contribution to the power plant and cooperation.

Sayfieva Zarina invited scientific and technical staff, including women working at the hydropower plant, as well as management to participate in the International Conference “Women in Science, Innovation and Technology Development” to be held in August 2023.