Gender Equality and Women’s Rights and Opportunities in Uzbekistan

“The cultural level of any society on Earth is determined by its attitude toward women.” — Shavkat Mirziyoyev

In today’s era of globalization, the issue of gender equality has emerged as one of the most pressing topics worldwide. “Gender Equality” is not only about protecting women’s rights, but also about ensuring that both men and women have equal opportunities in society and that every individual can fully realize their potential.

The United Nations (UN) has identified gender equality as a fundamental condition for the progress of humanity. “CEDAW” ­– “Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women” (1979) – the “Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.”
“SDG 5” – “Sustainable Development Goals” – The Sustainable Development Goals have been adopted as international guarantees for ensuring gender equality.

In Uzbekistan, this issue has also been elevated to the level of state policy. In particular, the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. O‘RQ-561 “On the Protection of Women from Harassment and Violence,” adopted on September 2, 2019 by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (https://lex.uz/uz/docs/-4494709) as well as the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. O‘RQ-562 “On Guarantees of Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men,” (https://lex.uz/mact/-4494849) These laws have defined the priority directions for protecting the rights of women in our country.

State governance in the field of ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women and men:

1. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan;
2. The Commission of the Senate of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Ensuring Gender Equality;
3. An authorized official responsible for ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women and men in state bodies;
4. The responsibilities of the authorized person are assigned to one of the deputy heads of the state body.

Today, women are achieving great success in science, sports, culture, entrepreneurship, and politics. This is the result of the conditions being created in Uzbekistan. At the same time, gender equality ensures not only the interests of women but also the overall development of society. After all, an equal society means a stable and just society.