Woman laws at Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has undertaken significant legislative reforms to enhance women's rights and gender equality in recent years. These initiatives reflect the country's commitment to aligning with international standards, though challenges in implementation persist. (Uzbekistan leads gender equality reforms, allocates $100 mn to empower women entrepreneurs — Daryo News)
⚖️ Legal Reforms and Gender Equality Legislation
Criminalization of Domestic Violence (2023)
In April 2023, Uzbekistan amended its Criminal Code and Code of Administrative Responsibility to criminalize domestic violence comprehensively. This includes physical, psychological, and economic abuse, marking a significant step in protecting women from gender-based violence. (Uzbekistan among countries that made most progressive changes in gender equality index — Daryo News)
Labor Code Revisions (2022)
The 2022 Labor Code introduced provisions ensuring equal pay for equal work, irrespective of gender. Additionally, restrictions on women's employment in certain industries were lifted, promoting inclusivity and opportunity. (Uzbekistan among countries that made most progressive changes in gender equality index — Daryo News)
Criminalization of Promoting Polygamy (2023)
Amendments to the Criminal Code in 2023 introduced Articles 47-8 and 189-2, which specifically address the promotion of polygamy and gender discrimination. Individuals found advocating for polygamy or gender discrimination can face fines or administrative imprisonment. (Uzbekistan charges 14 individuals for promoting polygamy under new gender equality legislation — Daryo News)
👩⚖️ Political Representation and Participation
Uzbekistan has implemented measures to increase women's participation in political processes:
Electoral Code Reforms (2023): The Electoral Code now mandates that at least 40% of candidates nominated by political parties for parliamentary elections must be women. (Parties loyal to Uzbekistan's president win parliament seats in election devoid of real opposition)
Training Programs: In April 2024, a training program was launched to enhance the leadership potential of female representatives from various political parties, aiming to equip them with essential skills for political engagement. (Empowering Women in Politics: Building Leadership for Gender Equality in Uzbekistan | United Nations Development Programme)
💼 Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship
Uzbekistan has allocated $100 million to empower women entrepreneurs, focusing on: (Uzbekistan leads gender equality reforms, allocates $100 mn to empower women entrepreneurs — Daryo News)
Vocational Training: Providing women with the necessary skills to succeed in business ventures. (Uzbekistan leads gender equality reforms, allocates $100 mn to empower women entrepreneurs — Daryo News)
Access to Financial Resources: Improving women's access to credit and financial services.
Business Development Support: Assisting women in developing and implementing business projects. (Uzbekistan leads gender equality reforms, allocates $100 mn to empower women entrepreneurs — Daryo News)
These efforts have led to a significant increase in the number of women entrepreneurs, with over 200,000 women now engaged in business activities. (Uzbekistan leads gender equality reforms, allocates $100 mn to empower women entrepreneurs — Daryo News)
🏛️ Institutional Initiatives
Uzbekistan has established several institutions to promote gender equality:
Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions (2022): Launched in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, this initiative aims to promote gender-responsive policies within government agencies. (Gender Equality Seal launched for Public Institutions in Uzbekistan | United Nations Development Programme)
Gender Commission: Established in the Senate to increase the role of women in society and address gender equality issues. (Gender equality as one of the principles of building a New Uzbekistan | Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan)
⚠️ Ongoing Challenges
Despite these advancements, challenges remain:
Implementation Gaps: There are concerns about the effective enforcement of laws protecting women's rights, particularly in rural areas.
Cultural Norms: Deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes continue to influence societal perceptions and treatment of women. (Women as Wives: How Uzbekistan’s Justice System Fails to Serve Women – The Diplomat)
Judicial Bias: The underrepresentation of women in the judiciary may contribute to biases in handling cases related to gender-based violence. (Women as Wives: How Uzbekistan’s Justice System Fails to Serve Women – The Diplomat)
🔍 Summary
Uzbekistan has made commendable progress in legislating for women's rights and gender equality, including legal reforms, economic empowerment initiatives, and institutional support. However, the effective implementation of these laws and the transformation of societal attitudes remain critical to achieving true gender equality.
RELATED Blog
0 comments