In a democratic society, the protection of human rights and the provision of equal opportunities for all citizens are paramount. One crucial aspect of this is gender equality, which ensures equal protection of rights and freedoms for everyone, regardless of gender. Uzbekistan has taken significant steps in this direction, embedding these principles within its legal framework and policy initiatives.
Constitutional commitment to equality
The Constitution of Uzbekistan guarantees that all citizens enjoy equal rights and freedoms, irrespective of gender, race, nationality, language, religion, beliefs, social origin, or social status. Article 58 explicitly states that men and women have equal rights, and the state is committed to providing equal opportunities for both genders in societal and state affairs. These constitutional principles are reflected in all laws and regulations, ensuring everyone has equal access to opportunities and rights, which is essential for a just and fair society.
In recent years, Uzbekistan has adopted over 40 legislative documents and important conceptual programs aimed at creating equal rights and opportunities for women and men. These efforts focus on strengthening the role of women in government and community leadership, providing necessary conditions for education, vocational training, and employment, and ensuring decent working conditions. Additionally, these measures aim to increase women’s participation in economic life and protect them against various forms of harassment and violence.
Key legislative measures include the law “On guarantees of equal rights and opportunities for women and men,” which prevents gender discrimination and ensures equal participation in public administration. The Law on Protection of Women from Harassment and Violence establishes mechanisms to end violence against women and provide protection and assistance to victims.
Strategic framework for gender equality
The “Strategy for Achieving Gender Equality in Uzbekistan until 2030,” approved by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan on May 28, 2021, outlines a comprehensive approach to implementing gender equality in all spheres and levels of decision-making and execution. This strategy promotes gender equality in economic, political, and social life, aiming to create conditions for the realization of equal rights and opportunities for men and women while upholding fundamental human rights.
Uzbekistan’s gender policy has yielded significant results. Over the past seven years, the share of women in public administration has increased from 27% to 35%. During his speech at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted these achievements, noting that women now constitute 35% of public administration roles for the first time.
In the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, women make up 32% of the deputies, while they hold 25% of the seats in the Senate. The number of women entrepreneurs has doubled, with over 205,000 women starting their own businesses. Hundreds of thousands of women have been trained in trades and entrepreneurship. Women constitute 77% of the workforce in healthcare and education and 46% in the economy and industry. Furthermore, the number of girls pursuing higher education has increased sixfold, with women now comprising more than half of the student population.
International commitments and recognition
Uzbekistan has ratified major international human rights treaties and conventions related to gender equality. The country joined the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 1995, committing to eliminating discrimination and ensuring the full development and well-being of women. Uzbekistan has also ratified the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action, which set strategic goals for achieving gender equality.
The international community has recognized Uzbekistan’s efforts in this regard. The World Bank index lists Uzbekistan among the five fastest-developing countries in the field of gender equality. Additionally, the “Open Data Watch” organization’s Open Gender Data Index ranks Uzbekistan 18th out of 195 countries, placing it among the “Top 20” with a score of 69.7.
Increasing the representation of women in public administration is a priority in Uzbekistan’s gender equality policy. The introduction of open competitions by the Public Service Development Agency has ensured equal opportunities for all, further expanding women’s chances to enter the civil service. Previously, women constituted 5-8% of new entrants to the civil service; now, they make up about 34% of competition winners.
To date, 2.1 million applications have been received in open competitions, with 20% coming from women. Of the 56,500 contest winners, 19,670 (35%) are women. The first direction of ensuring gender equality in personnel policy is attracting potential women to the civil service and making it an attractive career option. The second major direction is systematically preparing women for leadership positions, forming a corps of “Women leaders.”
Developing future leaders
Professional leadership requires specific characteristics for successful management, irrespective of gender. Effective management is not about gender but about possessing professional competencies such as setting priorities, directing teams, and achieving goals through rational resource distribution. However, issues like vertical segregation and the “glass ceiling”—invisible barriers to advancement—often hinder women’s progress to high-ranking positions.
To address this, it is necessary to develop essential soft skills in women, such as effective personnel management, decision-making, innovation, critical thinking, and leadership competencies. The Public Service Development Agency, in cooperation with the Family and Women’s Committee and the Academy of Public Administration, launched the “Women’s School of Leaders” educational program. This program prepares women working in state bodies for leadership roles. So far, 145 women with high professional potential have completed the program.
Community-level initiatives
A decree by President Mirziyoyev introduced the position of women activists in every neighbourhood, creating a practical school for forming women leaders. Currently, about 9,400 women activists work at the grassroots level, and 207 women hold positions as deputy governors and heads of family and women’s departments at the middle level. Those achieving the highest results are included in the National Personnel Reserve and are prepared for senior leadership positions.
Uzbekistan has established a strong legal basis for gender equality, and the effective implementation of these norms has led to significant progress recognized internationally. The country’s gender policy is an important criterion for ensuring human rights and has created a unique national model for preparing women for leadership roles.
Authors:
*Dilfuza Makhkamova, Head of the Department of the Agency for the Development of Public Service under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Farangiz Avazbekova, Chief Inspector of the Agency for the Development of Public Service under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law*
