Dialogue on promoting women’s rights based on Islamic values

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Committee on Religious Affairs, the International Islamic Academy, the Mahalla Association of Uzbekistan, and the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt, with financial support from the British Government, is holding a high-level dialogue and a national training workshop on the role of Islamic values in safeguarding women’s rights in Uzbekistan.

Representatives from government agencies, mahallas, academic circles, religious leaders, and leading professors of Al-Azhar University (Egypt) are participating in the event, which is part of ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan focused on promoting gender equality and protecting women’s rights.

The speakers at the workshop’s opening highlighted the significance of international and national legal norms in protecting women’s rights, as well as principles outlined in sacred religious texts. They paid special attention to initiatives aimed at overcoming harmful social norms and stereotypes that persist in society. The strong political commitment to strengthen legal and institutional measures to prevent violence against women and girls was also underscored.

“Religious organizations and their leaders have a unique potential to influence social norms”, noted Nigina Abaszada, UNFPA Resident Representative in Uzbekistan. “Together we can promote the true values of Islam – justice, dignity and respect for women and girls”.

During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the UNFPA and the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, which enhances cooperation in incorporating gender-based and human rights-based approaches into religious education and awareness-raising activities.

Deputy Prime Minister, Chairperson of the Committee on Family and Women of Uzbekistan, Zulaykho Mahkamova, addressed the event.

N.Usmanova, UzA