Uzbekistan officially launched the global “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign with a high-level roundtable titled “National Experience of Multisectoral Response to Cases of Violence Against Women and Children: Lessons and Achievements”.

The event, which took place in Tashkent, was organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with the National Agency for Social Protection (NASP) under the President of Uzbekistan and with support from the UK Government.

The 16 Days of Activism campaign, which runs annually from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day, highlights the global urgency of addressing violence against women as one of the most widespread violations of human rights.

The event brought together representatives from government bodies, international organizations, and civil society to discuss challenges, achievements, and future strategies for addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and enhancing child protection systems in Uzbekistan.

The roundtable addressed vital areas, including lessons learned from national multisectoral responses, recent advancements in Uzbekistan’s child protection laws, and the importance of a holistic approach to tackling violence against women and children. The event also marked the announcement of a groundbreaking National Study on the Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence, which will provide critical data to inform future policies and interventions.

In her opening remarks, Nigina Abaszade, UNFPA Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, emphasized the importance of a united front in addressing GBV. “The launch of the 16 Days campaign underscores our commitment to ending violence against women and children. Collaborative approaches, grounded in data and strengthened by shared experiences, are key to building a safer, more equitable society”, she stated.

Discussions at the event highlighted recent advancements, including the implementation of the Law on the Protection of Children from All Forms of Violence and expanded social services for GBV survivors. 

Mansurbek Olloyorov, Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan and Director of the National Agency for Social Protection, expressed optimism about the country’s direction: “Uzbekistan is at a critical juncture in strengthening its social protection framework. By aligning legal reforms with practical, inclusive solutions, we can ensure lasting change”.

The presentations underscored the necessity of interagency cooperation, inclusive services, and community engagement. Women’s organizations, law enforcement agencies, and social services were highlighted as pivotal players in the national response framework.

The event concluded with renewed commitments to stakeholder collaboration to prevent violence and support survivors. A video dedicated to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, featuring Paris 2024 Olympic Champion, Representative of the National Agency for Social Protection to combat gender inequality and violence against women and children Diyora Keldiyorova, underscored the personal and societal impact of the issue and called for collective action to create a world free from violence.

The 16 Days of Activism campaign in Uzbekistan continues with activities aimed at raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and mobilizing action to address gender-based violence nationwide.

Photos by N.Khaydarov, UzA