The National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan, together with the Association of Financial Institutions of Tajikistan and the National Association of Women Entrepreneurs “Kadbanu”, held an awards ceremony on 24 April to conclude competitions recognising “20 successful women in banking” and “25 best successful women entrepreneurs of Tajikistan”. The central bank also highlighted its ongoing work to support women’s entrepreneurship by improving women’s access to financial services. As of 31 March 2025, 66 credit financial institutions were operating in the country and had extended more than TJS 6.2bn of loans to over 910,000 women, a 28.7% increase compared with 2023. Over the last five years, lending to women totalled TJS 24.8bn. The release also noted that women now account for nearly 41% of the banking system total, up by 843 compared with the previous year, and that competition winners were selected across several nominations covering professional achievement and contributions to banking, entrepreneurship and community activities.