Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- At the fiftieth plenary meeting of the Senate, the issue of fulfilling the tasks defined in the Program of Comprehensive Measures for the implementation in 2023 of the Strategy for Achieving Gender Equality in the Republic of Uzbekistan until 2030 and approval of the Program of Comprehensive Measures for its implementation in 2024 was considered.

First, the results of the work done in 2023 to ensure gender equality and increase the role of women in social and political life were summed up.

It was noted that 13 normative legal acts were adopted in this area (including 3 laws, 4 decrees and resolutions of the President, 6 government resolutions).

In particular, in connection with the further improvement of the system of reliable protection of the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of women and children, changes and additions have been made to some legislative acts.

Thus, measures of responsibility have been strengthened against persons who have committed sexual violence against minors. For this category of crimes, it is strictly stipulated that measures provided for by law are not provided, such as conditional early release from serving a sentence or the replacement of a sentence with a more lenient one, or release from liability in connection with reconciliation.

The Election Code has also been amended to increase the minimum number of women from 30% to 40% of the total number of candidates nominated by political parties.

In addition, within the framework of the Family Entrepreneurship Development Program, 262.2 thousand women were allocated loans in the amount of 4.5 trillion soums, more than 27 thousand unemployed women included in social notebooks, subsidies in the amount of 118.5 were allocated to establish entrepreneurial activities and self-employment billion soums.

The Academy of Public Administration organized 60-hour advanced training courses for women managers, during which 319 women were trained.

At the same time, at the meeting, some issues were critically discussed, the deadlines for which had been exceeded, and appropriate instructions were given to the relevant ministries and departments.

In particular, the need was noted to study the issue of implementing international standards and norms into national legislation, improving gender statistics in the world of work in accordance with international recommendations, and expanding the scope of internships for talented young girls in prestigious organizations.

During the meeting, the Program of Comprehensive Measures for the Implementation of the Strategy for Achieving Gender Equality in 2024 was reviewed.

It was noted that the Program covers such issues as improving the legislative framework aimed at ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women and men, developing women’s skills to implement scientific and start-up ideas, and their widespread involvement in scientific and innovative activities.

The senators emphasized that this Program serves to facilitate the implementation of national and international obligations, and expressed their opinions on the importance of the timely implementation of the tasks and activities specified in it and strengthening work in this direction.

The Senate adopted a corresponding resolution on this issue.