Uzbekistan Highlights Gender Equality Advancements at IPU Event

An Uzbek parliamentary delegation led by Senate Chair Tanzila Narbayeva participated in the Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians in Belgrade, where representatives highlighted Uzbekistan’s ongoing efforts to advance gender equality and strengthen women’s representation in political and decision-making roles.

The event took place on the occasion of an official visit to Serbia, at the invitation of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia. The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) hosted the conference with over 400 delegates from 65 countries, including parliamentarians, international organizations and experts.

In the discussion on “Promoting Equality: Overcoming Gender Stereotypes and Harmful Social Norms”, Narbayeva described changes made in Uzbekistan to promote the rights of women, increase their integration in public life and protect them from the violence and discrimination.

The Senate notes that in Uzbekistan gender equality has become part of the priorities of state policy, as well as the introduction of legal and institutional measures to prevent women from being harassed and subjected to violence, and to ensure equal rights and opportunities for them in decision-making.

The delegation also underscored the government's initiatives to promote women's access to education and modern professions and high-tech industries, and its efforts to foster women's entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

Key Highlights:

• Uzbekistan showcased its efforts to advance gender equality and women’s rights
• Women now hold 38% of parliamentary seats, boosting the country’s global ranking
• Initiatives focus on women’s education, entrepreneurship, and leadership development

Special focus was placed on the measures to enhance the political empowerment of women. Political parties have been encouraged to engage more females and talent pools and training programs have been put in place to groom women for leadership positions, officials said.

During the conference, it was reported that currently women make up 38% of the total number of members of the Legislature of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Uzbekistan has risen 92 places in the world ranking in the Inter-Parliamentary Union, reaching the 36th position.

Narbayeva also mentioned the country wide awareness campaigns that are being implemented to address gender stereotypes and discriminatory social attitudes. Uzbekistan's National Commission on Gender Equality is regularly tracking these programs.

Participants highlighted the experience of Uzbekistan indicating the importance of addressing gender stereotypes in the context of good governance and sustainable development. The conference was also an opportunity for the lawmakers to share their experiences regarding legislation and policies favoring gender equality.

At the event, delegates were notified that the Inter-Parliamentary Union's Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians will be held in Samarkand from September 4-6, 2026, inviting young parliamentarians from various countries of the world to share their views on current issues and international cooperation.

The country's progress earlier this year to 52nd place in the Gender Equality and Governance Index from 103rd place last year was driven by reforms that seek to extend women's representation and boost their rights and visibility in the public sphere.

Uzbekistan has also become more active in the region in gender matters, as recently it has co-chaired meetings of women leaders of Central Asian and Azerbaijan nations on cooperation in entrepreneurship, science, innovation and leadership development.