Turning New Uzbekistan into a country where women live happily and in prosperity is the noblest goal

A solemn event dedicated to March 8 – International Women’s Day was held at the Kuksaroy Residence, attended by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Addressing the ceremony, the Head of state warmly congratulated all the women of Uzbekistan.

“Without women and their wonderful, noble qualities, it is impossible to imagine the development of society and life itself.

We see in you a great force that, with a mother’s love, has nurtured and raised our 22-million-strong young generation – the creators of the Third Renaissance in the country.

Whoever you may be, entrepreneurs and scientists, teachers, doctors and engineers, public and community figures, you are, above all, the guardians of the hearth, the backbone of the family and of our entire society,” the President noted.

It was emphasized that a completely new system has been created in the country to ensure the rights and interests of women and to increase their role in society. In the laws and resolutions being adopted, special attention is given to issues of gender equality. Henceforth, no law will be adopted without assessing its impact on the rights and interests of women.

As a result of this policy, a class of active women entrepreneurs has formed, with their number today reaching almost 230,000. More than 12,000 women farmers are actively working in the agricultural sector, and over 6,000 women scientists are engaged in research.

Our girls worthily defend the honour of the Motherland in international sports competitions. In particular, last year they won 167 gold, 193 silver and 243 bronze medals on the international sporting stage.

Such positive changes in the lives of our women are also gaining recognition from the international community. In particular, in the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s “Women in Parliament” ranking, Uzbekistan ranked 36th, rising by 92 positions. In the Gender Equality and Governance Index, the country rose from 103rd to 52nd place, while in the World Bank’s “Women, Business and the Law” report it improved its position by 43 points, ranking 48th.

The Head of state expressed sincere gratitude to the women working in various fields who contribute with their labor, talent and intellectual potential to building a New Uzbekistan, to the girls who bring glory to the Motherland on the international stage, as well as to their parents, mentors and coaches.

Special attention was paid to ensuring women’s employment and involving them in entrepreneurial activities. Last year, loans totalling 23.5 trillion soums were allocated for these purposes, enabling more than 425,000 women to start businesses.

Large-scale programs to increase women’s economic activity will also be implemented this year. In particular, 166,000 women will be trained in modern professions and entrepreneurship, while another 100,000 will receive training in information technologies.

In addition, the “Daromadli ayol” (Income for Women) program will be launched, providing employment for 50,000 women in home-based work, handicrafts, poultry farming, beekeeping and household farming. Within the framework of the “Hamroh” (Companion) program, funds totalling 1 trillion soums will be allocated for the implementation of 3,000 women’s projects.

In total, it is planned this year to provide income opportunities for 1.5 million women, including 400,000 who will be involved in business activities, for which more than 25 trillion soums will be allocated.

The President also touched upon the opportunities created in Uzbekistan for girls’ education. Today, over 904,000 girls are studying in the country’s higher educational institutions, accounting for 54 percent of the total number of students. It was particularly noted that 61 percent of research trainees and doctoral students are women.

Starting from the new academic year, the number of quotas for state educational grants for women and girls from low-income families will be doubled, reaching 4,000.

To support women’s innovative ideas, startup competitions will be held annually in at least 10 areas. Each winner will receive a grant of up to 500 million soums from the Innovation Fund.

It was emphasized at the event that combating oppression and violence against women and children is one of the key priorities of state policy.

The President recently signed a new decree aimed at protecting women and children from all forms of violence. From now on, efforts to combat violence and oppression against women and children will be carried out under a strict system.

The implementation of the “Yangi Hayot” (New Life) program is also planned to support the reintegration into society of women serving sentences in penal institutions. They will have the opportunity to undergo professional training through 3–6 month programs, as well as enrol in universities and study remotely.

“We have set for ourselves the most important goals, the achievement of which will ensure human well-being, honor and dignity. After all, everyone’s happiness begins in the family, and the family becomes strong primarily thanks to women. Undoubtedly, in this regard, the spiritual and moral upbringing of our girls is of decisive importance,” noted the Head of our state.

At a time when the situation in the world is becoming increasingly tense, the priceless value of peace and tranquility in our country is felt especially acutely. Confidence was expressed that our caring grandmothers and mothers, who bless good deeds, will set an example for everyone in preserving peace and stability in the country and in instilling in families, children and grandchildren a sense of gratitude for this greatest blessing.

At the event, a group of women making a worthy contribution to the development of our country were ceremoniously awarded the highest state titles, orders and medals. In addition, 28 talented young women who have distinguished themselves in science, education, culture and public life received the Zulfiya State Prize.

“My greatest dream is for the New Uzbekistan to become a country where women are content with their lives, happy, and living in peace and prosperity. I am convinced that together with you — selfless, determined, and hardworking women — and with all our people, we will certainly achieve these noble goals,” the Head of state noted.