EU and UN agencies launch a joint programme in Uzbekistan
Within the framework of the partnership between the European Union and the Government of Uzbekistan, and with the participation of the United Nations Population Fund, UN Women, and UNICEF, the Women’s Economic Empowerment in Uzbekistan Joint Programme has been officially launched.
It includes significant investments in human capital, reproductive health, and demographic resilience, strengthening women’s access to quality family planning services, decent employment, education, and entrepreneurship. The program will be implemented from 2026 to 2028 and will support Uzbekistan’s national development priorities, including the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy, with a focus on gender equality, employment, and inclusive economic growth.
According to Toivo Klaar, the Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan, women’s economic empowerment is not only a matter of equality but also a prerequisite for sustainable growth and a more resilient society. As part of this initiative, the European Union proudly supports Uzbekistan in turning its reform ambitions into real opportunities for women across the country.
The program uses a comprehensive, integrated approach to women’s economic empowerment, addressing structural barriers, harmful gender norms, and unequal access to opportunities and services.
As a result of the program’s implementation, 1,000 families will receive support to establish equitable family practices and access employment opportunities, while 3,000 couples will receive premarital and family counseling. A total of 700 adolescent girls, including 150 girls with disabilities, will have the opportunity to develop life skills and access education and employment. In addition, 5,000 women will receive vocational and digital training and support in developing entrepreneurial skills.
Seventy private companies will adopt gender-sensitive approaches to human resource management and integrate gender equality into their operations. A total of 400 local specialists, along with 5,000 women and 10,000 students, will enhance their knowledge of gender equality and family planning.
A total of 50 media representatives, 180 religious leaders, and 40 civil society representatives will strengthen their roles in promoting gender equality.
1,500,000 people will gain access to reproductive health information and services.
The joint programme is funded by the European Union with a total budget of 4.9 million euros and is being implemented nationwide, covering all 14 regions of Uzbekistan.
The Women’s Economic Empowerment in Uzbekistan Joint Programme addresses structural barriers that limit women’s participation in economic life, including restrictive gender norms, unequal care responsibilities, and limited access to jobs, skills, and reproductive health services.
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N.Usmanova, photos by A.Alijonov, UzA
