Upon the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Tajikistan began down the road to a "market economy" without any clear conception of how to complete such a transformation. Economic difficulties of the transition period were enormous. Severe shortages of food and other necessities, soaring inflation, high unemployment and rising income inequality became a reality facing millions of people. How did the ordinary people, businesses and government cope with the daily hardships in the face of an economic and social crisis?

Ms. Jamilya Islamova shares the stories of hope, resilience and inspiration of ordinary Tajik people during this time.