TASHKENT ( WNAM MONITORING): A solemn event dedicated to March 8 – International Women’s Day was held at the Kuksaroy Residence, attended by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Addressing the ceremony, the Head of State warmly congratulated all the women of Uzbekistan.
“Without women and their wonderful, noble qualities, it is impossible to imagine the development of society and life itself.
We see in you a great force that, with a mother’s love, has nurtured and raised our 22-million-strong young generation – the creators of the Third Renaissance in the country.
Whoever you may be, entrepreneurs and scientists, teachers, doctors and engineers, public and community figures, you are, above all, the guardians of the hearth, the backbone of the family and of our entire society”, the President noted.
It was emphasized that a completely new system has been created in the country to ensure women’s rights and interests and to increase their role in society. In the laws and resolutions being adopted, special attention is given to issues of gender equality. Henceforth, no law will be adopted without assessing its impact on the rights and interests of women.
As a result of this policy, a class of active women entrepreneurs has formed, with their number today reaching almost 230,000. More than 12,000 women farmers are actively working in the agricultural sector, and over 6,000 women scientists are engaged in research.
Our girls defend the honour of the Motherland with distinction in international sports competitions. In particular, last year they won 167 gold, 193 silver, and 243 bronze medals on the international sporting stage.
Such positive changes in our women’s lives are also gaining recognition from the international community. In particular, in the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s “Women in Parliament” ranking, Uzbekistan ranked 36th, rising by 92 positions. In the Gender Equality and Governance Index, the country rose from 103rd to 52nd place, while in the World Bank’s “Women, Business and the Law” report, it improved its position by 43 points, ranking 48th.
The Head of State expressed sincere gratitude to the women working in various fields who contribute their labor, talent, and intellectual potential to building a New Uzbekistan, to the girls who bring glory to the Motherland on the international stage, and to their parents, mentors, and coaches.
Special attention was paid to ensuring women’s employment and involving them in entrepreneurial activities. Last year, loans totaling 23.5 trillion UZS were allocated for these purposes, enabling more than 425,000 women to start businesses.
Large-scale programs to increase women’s economic activity will also be implemented this year. In particular, 166,000 women will be trained in modern professions and entrepreneurship, while another 100,000 will receive training in information technologies.
In addition, the “Daromadli Ayol” (Income for Women) program will be launched, employing 50,000 women in home-based work, handicrafts, poultry farming, beekeeping, and household farming. Within the framework of the “Hamroh” (Companion) program, funds totaling 1 trillion UZS will be allocated to implement 3,000 women’s projects.
In total, it is planned to provide income opportunities for 1.5 million women, including 400,000 involved in business activities, for which more than 25 trillion UZS will be allocated.
The President also touched upon the opportunities for girls’ education in Uzbekistan. Today, over 904,000 girls are studying in the country’s higher education institutions, accounting for 54 percent of the total student population. It was particularly noted that 61 percent of research trainees and doctoral students are women.
In addition, the “Daromadli Ayol” (Income for Women) program will be launched, employing 50,000 women in home-based work, handicrafts, poultry farming, beekeeping, and household farming. Within the framework of the “Hamroh” (Companion) program, funds totaling 1 trillion UZS will be allocated to implement 3,000 women’s projects.
In total, it is planned to provide income opportunities for 1.5 million women, including 400,000 involved in business activities, for which more than 25 trillion UZS will be allocated.
The President also touched upon the opportunities for girls’ education in Uzbekistan. Today, over 904,000 girls are studying in the country’s higher education institutions, accounting for 54 percent of the total student population. It was particularly noted that 61 percent of research trainees and doctoral students are women.
The President recently signed a new decree aimed at protecting women and children from all forms of violence. From now on, efforts to combat violence and oppression against women and children will be carried out under a strict system.
The implementation of the “Yangi Hayot” (New Life) program is also planned to support the reintegration of women serving sentences in penal institutions into society. They will have the opportunity to participate in 3-6-month professional training programs and to enroll in universities to study remotely.
“We have set for ourselves the most important goals, the achievement of which will ensure human well-being, honor, and dignity. After all, everyone’s happiness begins in the family, and the family becomes strong primarily thanks to women. Undoubtedly, in this regard, the spiritual and moral upbringing of our girls is of decisive importance”, noted the Head of State.
At a time when the world is becoming increasingly tense, the priceless value of peace and tranquility in the country is felt especially acutely. Confidence was expressed that our caring grandmothers and mothers, who bless good deeds, will set an example for everyone in preserving peace and stability in the country and in instilling in families, children, and grandchildren a sense of gratitude for this greatest blessing.
At the event, a group of women who made a worthy contribution to the country’s development were ceremoniously awarded the highest state titles, orders, and medals. In addition, 28 talented young women who have distinguished themselves in science, education, culture, and public life received the Zulfiya State Prize.
“My greatest dream is for the New Uzbekistan to become a country where women are content with their lives, happy, and living in peace and prosperity. I am convinced that together with you – selfless, determined, and hardworking women – and with all our people, we will certainly achieve these noble goals”, the Head of State noted.
