A meeting of the Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asian Countries was held in Tashkent, featuring five thematic sessions.

Representatives of parliaments and public organizations from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as international institutions and civil society, put forward concrete proposals on each of the topics discussed.

Ceren Güven Güreş, Head of the UN Women Office for Central Asia, noted that women’s participation in the region’s political life is expanding, though extensive reforms must continue.

Speakers emphasized the importance of strengthening legal guarantees for women’s participation in political life and eliminating cultural, social, and economic factors that limit their political engagement.

Proposals were developed to prepare women for leadership positions, expand programs in political education and leadership, and support girls’ and women’s groups through active civic engagement.

Participants in the sessions discussed measures to reduce barriers to accessing financial resources, integrate businesses into the digital economy and export markets, support regional joint startups and innovation projects, and overcome gender stereotypes and social obstacles to entrepreneurial activity.

Practical proposals were put forward to create additional opportunities for women entrepreneurs, make effective use of educational programs, business coaching, and grants, and support export activities.

Participants highlighted the importance of providing girls and women with modern knowledge, including in STEM fields, digital technologies, and entrepreneurship.

Proposals were voiced to strengthen educational programs in the region, expand the use of telemedicine and online learning platforms, ensure equal opportunities for women in rural and urban areas, and enhance staff and experience exchanges among countries.

The practical proposals developed during the sessions were reflected in the declaration adopted at the Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asian Countries.

Norgul Abduraimova, UzA