Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and leading Uzbek confectionery house SAFIA have announced the launch of a large-scale partnership aimed at improving the status of women and promoting gender equality in the country. This collaboration between the private sector and an international organization marks an important step towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Uzbekistan.

The partnership will encompass a wide range of initiatives, including the empowerment of women and youth through programs focused on professional skills development, employment support, and financial literacy. It will also focus on preventing and responding to gender-based violence by conducting training sessions and workshops for SAFIA employees and local community members.

Additionally, the partnership will promote reproductive health and rights through educational campaigns raising awareness about family planning, maternal health, and the availability of services. SAFIA has committed to implementing family-friendly and inclusive policies in the workplace, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees, including those with disabilities and survivors of violence.

The first steps of the partnership include a series of gender equality, women’s rights, and violence prevention training sessions for SAFIA employees, set to begin in late 2024. A broad information campaign on reproductive health will also be launched, targeting both the company’s employees and local communities.

UNFPA’s Representative in Uzbekistan, Dr. Nigina Abaszade, emphasized the importance of this partnership, noting that it demonstrates how businesses can play an active role in addressing social issues and contribute to the creation of a safe and equitable society.

SAFIA Confectionery House Director Sardor Mirzahmedov expressed confidence that the collaboration with UNFPA would not only help the company produce high-quality products but also make a significant contribution to the social development of Uzbekistan. He highlighted SAFIA’s commitment to becoming an example for other companies by showing how business can drive positive social change.

UNFPA and SAFIA hope that their partnership will serve as an inspiring example for other organizations and act as a catalyst for new initiatives aimed at sustainable development and building an inclusive society in Uzbekistan.