Uzbekistan unveils major reforms to empower women
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) – Uzbekistan has introduced a new presidential decree aimed at expanding opportunities for women, with ambitious goals in employment, education, and entrepreneurship set for 2025.
Under the initiative, the government will provide jobs to 2 million women across various sectors. Additionally, 250,000 women will receive training in professional skills and entrepreneurship, equipping them to enter the workforce or start their own businesses.
Another 250,000 women will gain greater access to higher education, ensuring broader academic and career opportunities, according to Daryo News.
To support socially vulnerable women, the government will organize motivational seminars and health-focused rehabilitation programs for 50,000 participants. These workshops will also provide guidance on entrepreneurial ventures.
Starting May 1, the program will introduce financial support measures to encourage women-led businesses. The initiative includes grants of up to 50 million Uzbekistani som ($3,865) for 1,000 mentor entrepreneurs, helping women launch green projects, IT ventures, or businesses employing at least five women. Additionally, women with strong credit histories will be eligible for unsecured loans of up to 100 million Uzbekistani som ($7,730) to facilitate business expansion.
Further strengthening financial inclusion, the Entrepreneurship Development Company will provide credit guarantees for equipment purchases made by women entrepreneurs, ensuring financial security until delivery.
Uzbekistan has already made significant progress in women’s economic empowerment. In 2024, over 251,400 women secured permanent jobs, and 177,100 received vocational training. Additionally, 147,300 women completed entrepreneurship programs, while 55,100 received 289 billion Uzbekistani som ($22.4 million) in subsidies.
Uzbekistan climbed from 103rd place in 2022 to 52nd place in the 2024 Gender Equality and Governance Index (GEGI).
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