Tashkent, Uzbekistan — Long considered one of the most closed and authoritarian countries in Central Asia, Uzbekistan has embarked on a process of economic, political, and social liberalization since 2016. This article focuses on the progress made in recent years regarding gender equality and the challenges that remain for the authorities in Tashkent.
Uzbekistan: A Country Long Closed to Modernity
With a population of 37 million, Uzbekistan is the largest country in Central Asia. Following the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, the country chose a path of isolation and authoritarianism under its first president, Islam Karimov. For more than a quarter-century, Uzbekistan stagnated under a centralized, non-democratic regime with an inefficient planned economy. Issues such as political freedoms, the rule of law, economic development, and women’s rights were largely neglected.
Since 2016, however, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has pursued sweeping institutional reforms. In 2023, a series of reforms were approved by referendum, aiming to consolidate the liberal advances, especially in gender equality, ahead of the parliamentary elections on October 27.
Women’s Rights and Gender Equality: Rapid and Profound Changes
Since the last legislative elections, more than 80 legal documents have been adopted by the Uzbek Parliament to protect women. Tashkent’s authorities have relied on a series of laws enacted in 2019 that guarantee equal rights and opportunities for women and men, and strengthen legal measures against violence and harassment of women. Approximately 200 shelters have been established nationwide to support victims of domestic violence, and the national aid fund has been launched.
Several recent laws have introduced quotas to increase female representation. Legislation passed in 2023 mandates that at least 40% of election candidates be women. Scholarships have also been provided to facilitate young women’s access to higher education. Each year the University fees in bachelor’s courses of nearly 4 000 young women from poor families and the fees in master’s courses of nearly 14 000 young women are fully paid by the state budget. Currently, women occupy 35% of leadership positions in the country.
At the educational level, national programs have been implemented to combat gender stereotypes, including educational programs in schools and training centers to prepare young people for marriage and family life. The government’s initiatives have also focused on integrating women into the workforce and promoting their participation in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Women are increasingly taking on roles in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, supported by government scholarships and incentives.
Persistent Challenges for Gender Equality
Despite significant advancements, structural challenges remain. Domestic violence rates are still high and widely accepted socially, particularly in rural areas. Stronger measures are needed to transform societal attitudes.
Efforts to address domestic violence have included the establishment of dedicated hotlines and the training of law enforcement officials to handle such cases with sensitivity and urgency. However, cultural norms and societal expectations continue to pose barriers to the effective implementation of these measures.
In rural areas, traditional views on gender roles persist, expecting girls to assume domestic responsibilities, which curtails their potential for personal and professional development. The government has launched awareness campaigns to challenge the situation and promote the benefits of gender equality.
Legislative and Political Landscape
Gender equality will be a crucial issue in the upcoming parliamentary elections on October 27, marking the important step of Uzbekistan’s new constitution. A liberal and democratic constitution, which aims to ensure that women play a central role, rather than being relegated to traditional symbolic roles.
The new constitutional framework includes provisions for equal pay, non-discrimination in the workplace. These measures are designed to create a more inclusive environment where both women and men can thrive equally. Additionally, the government has committed to increasing the number of women in high-level political and administrative positions.
Looking Ahead
The progress in gender equality in Uzbekistan since 2016 is promising, but there is still much work to be done. The commitment of the government, coupled with the active participation of civil society organizations, is crucial to driving further change. International partnerships and support from organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union have also played a significant role in advancing women’s rights in Uzbekistan.
The future of gender equality in Uzbekistan hinges on sustained efforts to dismantle deeply rooted stereotypes and provide equal opportunities for all. As the country continues to open up and modernize, the hope is that these reforms will pave the way for a more equitable society where women can fully realize their potential.
The involvement of young people in the gender equality movement is also a positive sign. Youth-led initiatives and advocacy groups are increasingly vocal about the need for continued reforms and the protection of women’s rights. This new generation of activists brings fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to addressing gender disparities.
While Uzbekistan has made significant strides in promoting gender equality, the journey is far from over. The ongoing efforts to implement and enforce gender-equitable policies, coupled with societal changes, will determine the success of these initiatives. The upcoming parliamentary elections and the new constitutional framework present an opportunity to solidify these gains and ensure that women have a strong and lasting presence in all aspects of Uzbek society.
Discussion about this post