OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan supports the first forum on the role of women parliamentarians in the development of Uzbekistan

The First Forum on the Role of Women Parliamentarians in the Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan took place on 14 December in Tashkent. The event was organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) in partnership with the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Gender Equality Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan and UN Agencies such as UNDP and UNFPA.

Members of the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of the Republic of Uzbekistan, deputies of local Kengashes (councils), members of the Youth Parliament of the Republic of Uzbekistan, officials of government agencies and public organizations, representatives of international organizations and the media attended the forum.

The aim was to create a platform for effective co-operation between women’s parliaments and deputy groups at the national and regional levels on issues of expanding women’s participation in political life.

The forum was opened by Tanzila Narbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In her opening speech, she stressed: “The full participation of women in solving political and socio-economic problems is a prerequisite for economic progress, democratic development and stability in society. As the results of last year’s efforts, 48 women-deputies were elected to the lower chamber of parliament, which is 32% of the total number of deputies. For the first time in the history of Uzbekistan, the number of women in the national parliament has reached the level established by the UN recommendations. The parliament of our country rose to 37th place among 190 parliaments of the world in terms of the number of women”.

In his opening speech, John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan stressed that in order to respond to “the immense challenges that we are facing today, leadership must have a woman’s face now more than ever, especially in the decision-making positions.” He said: “My office and the OSCE institutions stand ready to provide as much support as needed for Uzbekistan in its efforts to pursue a National Strategy for Achieving Gender Equality in the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2020–2030.”

Forum participants expressed their views on the creation of a women's parliamentary association, determined its general goals and objectives, strategy and directions of action.

At the end of the Forum, participants opinions and proposals were summarized, and recommendations were developed.