Tanzila Narbaeva: Women's role expanding significantly in Uzbekistan's socio-political, economic, and cultural life

Opening the forum, Senate Chairperson Tanzila Narbaeva presented an address from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the participants of the event. The address highlighted Uzbekistan's high standing in ensuring and strengthening gender equality.

"In our country's socio-political, economic, and spiritual life, and in the decision-making process, women's participation is noticeably expanding. In a short period, a national legislative base aligned with international standards related to the sector was formed; over 80 regulatory legal documents adopted in the last five years serve as a testament to this. The significant laws 'On Guarantees of Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men' and 'On the Protection of Women from Harassment and Violence' have been adopted and implemented," said the Senate Chairperson.

Tanzila Narbaeva also noted the introduction of privileges and special quotas for women, full coverage of contract payments for those studying in master's programs from the state budget, and the eradication of stereotypes that girls should not be educated but should rather stay home.

"Currently, more than half of the students in higher education institutions are girls. If we compare the 9 percent higher education coverage in 2017 with today’s 43 percent, we can see a sharp increase in the proportion of girls in higher education," she added.

The forum set out the following goals:

- To broadly discuss international, regional, and national experiences and innovative approaches related to the implementation of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Beijing Declaration, and the Platform for Action;
- To create opportunities for women in education, healthcare, decent work, and the utilization of digital technologies and innovations;
- To introduce new initiatives for increasing women’s activity in all socioeconomic spheres and to further consolidate efforts and opportunities in this direction;
- To achieve high results in ensuring women's rights and legal interests, encouraging the implementation of gender equality outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals at national and regional levels;
- To consider ways to enhance the role of women and more extensively use their creative potential in overcoming the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the adverse effects of climate change;
- To discuss and exchange advanced practices in eliminating all forms of violence against women, combating human trafficking, and eradicating forced labor;
- To expand the exchange of knowledge and experience related to civil society institutions;
- To ensure cooperation between interested parties in increasing women's participation in political processes and decision-making as a key priority.