TASHKENT: Uzbekistan has made significant step in gender equality, marking it as an important component in protecting human rights and providing equal opportunities for all, local and western media reported. The country’s constitution guarantees equal rights and freedoms for all citizens, regardless of gender, race, nationality, or social status. This commitment is reflected in numerous laws and regulations designed to ensure equality and social justice.
Over the past few years, Uzbekistan has adopted more than 40 legislative documents and key programs aimed at fostering equal rights and opportunities for both women and men. These initiatives focus on enhancing women’s roles in government and community leadership, providing essential education and vocational training, and creating fair working conditions. The government also aims to increase women’s participation in economic activities and protect them from various forms of harassment and violence.
One of the notable legislative measures is the law “On Guarantees of Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men,” which aims to prevent gender discrimination and ensure equal participation in public administration. Additionally, the “Law on Protection of Women from Harassment and Violence” establishes mechanisms to combat violence against women and provide support to victims.
Gender Equality in Uzbekistan
In 2021, the Senate of the Oliy Majlis approved the “Strategy for Achieving Gender Equality in Uzbekistan until 2030.” This strategy takes a comprehensive approach to implementing gender equality principles across all spheres and decision-making levels. It promotes gender equality in economic, political, and social life, creating conditions for realizing equal rights and opportunities for both men and women.
The impact of these gender policies is evident. In the past seven years, the share of women in public administration has increased from 27% to 35%. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted this progress in his speech at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Women now constitute 32% of the deputies in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and 25% of the Senate members. The number of women entrepreneurs has doubled, with over 205,000 women starting their businesses. Furthermore, women represent 77% of the workforce in healthcare and education and 46% in the economy and industry. The number of female students in higher education institutions has increased sixfold, with women making up more than half of the student population.
Uzbekistan’s commitment to gender equality extends to the international stage. The country ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 1995 and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. These international agreements set strategic goals for achieving gender equality, and Uzbekistan has effectively fulfilled its obligations.
The international community has recognized Uzbekistan’s systematic efforts in promoting gender equality. The World Bank index placed Uzbekistan among the five fastest-developing countries in gender equality. Additionally, the country ranked 18th out of 195 countries in the “Open Data Watch” organization’s Open Gender Data Index.
To further enhance gender equality in public service, Uzbekistan has implemented open competitions through the Public Service Development Agency, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants. As a result, the proportion of women in civil service has risen from 5-8% to about 34%.
Uzbekistan’s comprehensive gender policy has led to the formation of a national model for preparing women for leadership roles. This progress, recognized by the international community, underscores Uzbekistan’s commitment to ensuring human rights through gender equality.
