A solemn event dedicated to International Women’s Day was held at the Kuksaroy Residence.

During the ceremony, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, delivered a speech warmly congratulating all the women of the country. 

The Head of state emphasized that protecting women’s rights and interests and enhancing their role in society are among the key priorities of state policy. 

Since 2017, the share of women in managerial structures has increased from 20% to 35%. Today, 38% of deputies in the Legislative Chamber and 27% of members of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis are women. Their active participation in various fields contributes to the overall development of society.

Women in Uzbekistan continue to demonstrate outstanding achievements. Last year, Uzbek female athletes won three gold, eight silver, and three bronze medals at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In international cultural and artistic competitions, 25 women from Uzbekistan secured victories, while 71 talented young women emerged as winners at national competitions. 

The President placed special emphasis on improving the quality of life for women and creating additional opportunities for them. 

“Women who manage to take care of their families, raise children, pursue education, work, and engage in entrepreneurship are the true heroines of our time. In the New Uzbekistan, ensuring women’s well-being and creating conditions for their self-fulfillment in all spheres will remain one of the top priorities of state policy”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated.

In accordance with the principles of a social state, enshrined in the renewed Constitution, new social protection measures for women are being implemented in Uzbekistan. This year, 162,000 women with disabilities will receive medical care in sanatoriums, hospitals, and at home. Approximately 130,000 women who have lost their breadwinner will receive financial assistance, and the housing conditions of 6,000 families will be improved. Employable women will be provided with job opportunities. 

Additionally, every year, 50,000 women facing challenging life circumstances will receive vouchers to visit scenic regions of the country for training and recreation.

Healthy women are the foundation of a healthy and strong society. This year, 230 maternity facilities will be equipped with 21,000 modern medical devices. Moreover, a screening program will be conducted to detect oncological diseases at an early stage among 1.5 million women.

Girls’ education benefits the entire family, a point once again emphasized in the President’s speech. An educated society is one with a high level of awareness and culture. 

Today, 52 percent of university students are women. Last year, 15,000 female master’s students received financial support for tuition payments, amounting to approximately 100 billion UZS. 

More than 6,200 women are engaged in the scientific field, contributing to 25 percent of all research developments in the country. This further underscores the growing role of women in society.

The state will continue to create opportunities for girls’ education, from kindergartens to universities. This year, 250,000 young women will enroll in higher education institutions, 3.5 times more than in 2017. Additionally, 250,000 women will receive vocational education and entrepreneurship training. As part of the “Bright Future” program, at least 200 young women will be sent annually to study at prestigious foreign universities. 

The President emphasized women’s employment and the development of female entrepreneurship. 

On his initiative, a Council of Businesswomen will be established under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which will have the right to raise issues in parliament related to the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.

An additional 3.3 trillion UZS will be allocated this year to support women's entrepreneurship. Within the framework of family business programs, $100 million will be provided. Another $100 million will be raised by commercial banks to offer interest-free loans of up to 50 million UZS to self-employed women. 

A four-stage system for the development of women’s entrepreneurship will be introduced. In the first stage, 20,000 women who wish to start a business will undergo specialized training. In the second stage, 100,000 self-employed women will receive assistance in launching their businesses. In the third stage, two small companies in each district will be transformed into model medium-sized enterprises. In the fourth stage, the 50 most successful women entrepreneurs will be supported in growing their businesses to an annual turnover of over 100 billion UZS.

This year, it is planned to create jobs for 2 million women through vocational training, employment, and entrepreneurship development. 

“We set ambitious goals in all areas. Their achievement depends on raising a worthy generation, which is in your hands, dear women, caring mothers”, the President emphasized. 

According to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan of March 3, 28 young women were awarded the Zulfiya State Prize, and on March 4, a group of women who achieved outstanding results in their professional and public activities were honored with orders and medals. A ceremonial presentation of these prestigious awards took place at the event.

Following the celebration, Shavkat Mirziyoyev once again congratulated the women on behalf of the entire nation and expressed his best wishes: 

“I wish you good health, peace, and prosperity in your homes. May you always have the greatest wealth in life – happiness in your family. May you always be surrounded by the love of your children, your loved ones, and the respect of the people!” 

As part of the celebration, a grand concert was held at the Uzbekistan Palace.

UzA