Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A seminar-training on "The Role of Women and Girls in Strengthening Peace and Security" was held in the city of Termez for judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, national guard members, emergency services, security agencies, and customs officials.

The event, organized on 12-13 September, was spearheaded by Uzbekistan’s National Human Rights Center in collaboration with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Participants discussed key topics such as strengthening gender equality, actively involving women in decision-making processes, their participation in implementing UN Resolution 1325, and increasing the representation of women in high-level positions within judicial and law enforcement institutions.

This event was part of the "Roadmap" for cooperation between Uzbekistan and the "UN Women" structure for 2024-2026, approved on August 7 by the Republican Commission on Gender Equality and Family Issues.

At the seminar’s opening, Dilynoza Muratova, Deputy Director of the National Human Rights Center, and Antti Karttunen, Project Coordinator for OSCE in Uzbekistan, delivered speeches.

It was emphasized that, due to comprehensive reforms in recent years, Uzbekistan has established solid legal foundations to ensure equal rights and opportunities for women and men in all areas of public life and to protect women from oppression and violence.

It was also acknowledged that gender equality in Uzbekistan has risen to the level of state policy, as reflected in the newly adopted "Uzbekistan-2030" strategy. The strategy includes extensive measures to enhance women’s participation, protect motherhood and childhood, ensure gender equality, and safeguard women’s rights and interests.

For instance, in the political sphere, Uzbekistan’s modern electoral code stipulates that at least 40% of parliamentary candidates must be women—equivalent to 2 out of 5 candidates. The share of women in public administration has risen from 27% to 35%.

Women are increasingly playing a significant role in society in Uzbekistan, now holding key positions in government, the economy, education, and other sectors.

The seminar aimed to further advance these processes and enhance the role of women in peace and security efforts.

Prominent speakers at the training included Mukarram Nurmatova, Deputy Chairwoman of Uzbekistan’s Committee on Family and Women’s Affairs; Nilufar Bobomuratova from the Supreme Court; Umida Begmatova from the Prosecutor General’s Office; Umida Abdullaeva from the Ministry of Internal Affairs; Barno Ashirmatova from the National Guard; Bakhtiyor Mardiev from the Ministry of Defense; and Latofat Amonova from the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Their presentations covered topics such as "Increasing Women’s Representation in Key Judicial and Law Enforcement Roles" and "Ensuring Equal Opportunities for Women and Men in Leadership Positions in Security and Defense." These presentations sparked lively discussions among the participants.