Civil Society Brief: Turkmenistan

Outlining how civil society organizations (CSO) evolved in Turkmenistan, this brief explains how many work in tandem with government to raise awareness of health issues, boost social and environmental protection, and empower women and girls.Estimating about 135 public associations operate in the Central Asian country, it shows how they emerged after 1991, and outlines the legal framework governing them. The brief details how Turkmenistan’s small civil society is funded, explores how CSOs work with a limited number of international donors, and assesses the role they play in supporting vulnerable groups and the country’s development.