UAE is a brilliant example of rapid progress in women's empowerment, says Uzbekistan's Saida Mirziyoyeva

• Uzbekistan’s New Commission on Gender Equality creates legal framework for gender equality
• Representation of women in Uzbekistan’s parliament reaches 32 per cent 

Dubai, UAE: The UAE has demonstrated to the world how rapid progress can be achieved in advancing women’s empowerment and ensuring equal rights for women, said Saida Mirziyoyeva, Member of the Commission on Gender Equality – Republic of Uzbekistan on the first day of the Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020 (GWFD).

In her opening remarks at a session moderated by Huda Al Hashimi, Assistant Director General for Strategy & Innovation, Prime Minister’s Office – UAE, Mirziyoyeva said: “The United Arab Emirates is a brilliant example of how fast progress can be and how to make it safe for the whole community without exclusions. We are here to learn from each other and inspire one another how to empower women of our societies so they can contribute to human civilization.”

GWFD 2020, which is taking place at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai, will conclude on 17 February.

During the session, which highlighted the progress Uzbekistan has made in the field of women’s empowerment and the achievements of the country’s women in all spheres, Mirziyoyeva said that one of the key aims of the country’s new strategy is to ensure human rights, which cannot be achieved without ensuring women’s rights.

“Uzbek women are capable of contributing to global progress and our aim is to create the ground for this,” she said. “Today the gender situation has changed in our country with our President’s continuous efforts to transform women’s role in society. Gender balance will transform women’s role in decision making and as a bonus, the country will be able to solve social problems more effectively as women are more sensitive to social issues,” she added.

Mirziyoyeva pointed out that Uzbekistan is working closely with the United Nations, World Bank, Islamic Development Bank and other international institutions to foster development in spheres related to women empowerment. She further stressed the country’s unwavering commitment to work further in this direction.

“International standards are gradually changing our social life, boosting gender issues and improving daily realities of our women. Within the last few years, Uzbekistan adopted several important laws on the protection of reproductive health, guarantees on equal rights and opportunities for women and men and the protection of women from oppression and violence,” she said.

Referring to the results of the last parliamentary elections, Mirziyoyeva said the number of women in parliament had doubled and reached 32 per cent of the total number of deputies. There are also 24 female medalists in international sports competitions. “We see women professionals sparking in all spheres and our aim is to create a safer environment for them to realise their potential,” she said noting that their next mission is to increase the number of women in executive roles.

Sharing details of Uzbekistan’s new Commission on Gender Equality, Mirziyoyeva explained that the country has created a legal framework for gender equality, which is tasked with integrating gender equality in all spheres of life and across all government organisations. The commission also provides legal assistance in resolving gender discrimination. It’s also responsible for educating people on gender equality and increasing gender sensitivity. 

Joining the discussion Nozima Davletova, Senior Consultant On Gender Issues – Uzbekistan, said: “The commission plans to strengthen the role of women in social, economic and political spheres. We have introduced new aspects to the strategy, such as providing a protective order for those experiencing violence. We have created more than 200 shelters for those in need.”

Despite the progress achieved, the speakers said there is still considerable challenges facing women, such as with the cultural setting, which represents them as solely mothers and daughters. “Women are still suffering from lack of resources and struggling to balance family duties and work in cities. We have long way to go but it’s worth it as we empower women, we empower the nation and empower humanity,” Mirziyoyeva said.

Mirziyoyeva praised the role of Dubai Women’s Establishment in supporting women, saying that the Establishment has demonstrated its capabilities in mobilising innovators and leadership to achieve huge gains for women.

“Uzbekistan shares the same values and is open for new partners and mentors,” she said.

Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020 is organised by Dubai Women Establishment, which is led by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and wife of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Building on its theme, ‘The Power of Influence’, Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020 will highlight how effective policies and partnerships in four key areas – Government, Economy, Society, and the Future – can further women’s positive impact for a better future.

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About Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020:

Global Women's Forum Dubai (GWFD) 2020 is an international event being held on 16-17 February, 2020. It is organised by Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. 

Building on its theme ‘The Power of Influence’, GWFD 2020 offers a global platform to discuss improved policies and foster partnerships that further women’s positive impact across four key areas: government, economy, society, and future. The event aims to engage over 3,000 attendees – including global leaders, public and private sector experts, as well as entrepreneurs, academics and students – through workshops and keynote sessions.

The Forum’s Knowledge Partner is the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).  Alongside the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), DWE is also co-organising the We-Fi MENA Regional Summit – a side-line event that will host entrepreneurs from the region’s emerging economies.

In line with the UAE’s ongoing commitment to advance gender balance across all sectors, GWFD 2020 will drive female engagement and participation in the workforce, and is a testament to the country’s position as a global role model for the advancement of women.

About Dubai Women Establishment:

Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) was formed in 2006 as a statutory body of Dubai Government by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai. DWE is headed by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

The Establishment’s mission is to advance the engagement and socio-economic participation of women across various sectors and fields. DWE’s strategic plan 2017-2021 focuses on providing recommendations to shape policies; fostering strategic partnerships; developing capacity-building programmes; and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and research by organising global events and leading initiatives.  

About the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi):

The Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) is a groundbreaking partnership that aims to unlock financing for women-led/owned businesses (WSMEs) in developing countries. We-Fi’s partners include 14 governments, six multilateral development banks as implementing partners, and numerous other stakeholders in the public and private sector around the world. We-Fi takes an ecosystem approach to removing barriers to women’s economic empowerment, addressing constraints and opportunities related to finance, market access, capacity and the enabling environment. https://we-fi.org/ 

© Press Release 2020