Uzbekistan made strides in supporting women’s employment and entrepreneurship in 2024, with 251,400 women securing permanent jobs and 54,500 engaged in public works.
These achievements were highlighted during a meeting of the Republican Commission on enhancing the role of women in society, gender equality and the family, held in the Senate of the Oliy Majlis. The session, chaired by Tanzila Narbayeva, focused on implementing state directives aimed at equipping women with professional skills and fostering their economic participation.
Additionally, it was noted that 177,100 women received vocational training, and 147,300 completed entrepreneurship programs. Financial support also played a key role, with 55,100 women receiving subsidies worth UZ 289bn ($22.4mn) and 206,600 women accessing preferential loans totaling UZS 3.472 trillion ($268.7mn) to start or expand businesses.
To strengthen the legal framework, nearly 100 regulatory acts have been adopted in recent years. A new system, modeled after the Kirsadak mahalla of Yangiyul district, has been introduced to enhance women’s vocational training and business opportunities. This initiative is part of a 2024-2025 action plan, which includes financing women’s entrepreneurship projects through the Reconstruction and Development Fund.
Key measures to support business development include 250 recommended business projects, created in collaboration with People's Bank, Microcredit Bank, and Business Development Bank. Additionally, the launch of the "Project Factory" electronic platform allows women to explore business opportunities, access loan details by industry, and apply for financial support online.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. The meeting critically analyzed issues such as inconsistent implementation of employment programs at the neighborhood level and gaps in vocational and entrepreneurial training. To address this, the commission called for increased support from commercial banks, improved monitoring of business projects, and stronger engagement with female entrepreneurs.
Looking ahead, the commission aims to reduce informal employment, focus on job opportunities for women with disabilities, and expand training in high-demand, well-paying professions.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)