UNDP, the European Union, and the Government of Uzbekistan are jointly conducting a forum dedicated to expanding the rights and opportunities for rural women in the agricultural sector in Uzbekistan.
The forum, organized by UNDP, the Senate of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Women's Committee, the Association of Women Farmers, and funded by the European Union under the "EU-AGRI" project, brought together approximately 140 participants from Central Asian countries and Turkey.
According to UNDP, rural women, who constitute a significant portion of the global agricultural workforce, play a pivotal role in agricultural production, food security, and nutrition. Despite their contributions, they face various challenges on both global and national levels, including limited access to resources and underrepresentation in decision-making bodies, which is further exacerbated by the disproportionate impacts of climate change due to existing gender inequalities.
During the event, a documentary film showcasing the contributions of Uzbek women to agriculture and a digital book featuring inspiring stories of rural women adapting to and solving climate change-related challenges were presented.
The forum addressed a wide range of topics, including the expansion of women's rights and opportunities in agriculture, the diversification of business prospects for women, the study of various agro-ecological conditions for crop cultivation, and the application of digital technologies in food production. Innovative approaches to agricultural production, storage, and primary processing of agricultural crops and livestock products were also examined. The discussions included issues related to sustainable development and climate adaptation, including the rational use of land and water resources.
The primary goal of the organizers is to elevate the role and motivation of women in the agricultural sector, thereby enhancing women's integration and strengthening their potential in the agricultural industry through joint efforts and knowledge sharing.
In his welcoming speech, Anas Fayyad Karman, the Acting Resident Representative of UNDP in Uzbekistan, acknowledged the indispensable role of rural women in global agriculture and highly commended the efforts of the Uzbekistan government in promoting gender equality in the agricultural sector. He emphasized that women have always been the backbone of our society, especially in the agricultural sector, as they constitute more than 40% of the workforce in Uzbekistan's agriculture, ensuring our food security, nutrition, and playing a significant role in climate change resilience. By expanding the rights and opportunities of rural women in agriculture, we are not only advancing gender equality but also investing in food security. He stressed the need for collective efforts to expand rights and opportunities, knowledge sharing, and effective collaboration to address the challenges faced by rural women.
Mindaugas Kacerauskis, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan, called for the expansion of women's rights and opportunities in agriculture through education, access to assets, including land, finances, and technology, and control over them. This will increase their productivity, income, decision-making authority, and contribute to gender equality and social justice. These benefits will be passed down through generations and will yield significant dividends in the future.
"UNDP will continue to provide the necessary support to the Government of Uzbekistan in its efforts to ensure a 'green' and just transition by expanding the rights and opportunities of women and promoting innovation in agriculture," according to a statement from UNDP in Uzbekistan.
Earlier, Daryo reported that the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is gearing up to host a significant global investment forum organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in conjunction with its 25th General Assembly session taking place from October 16 to 20.
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