Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Tashkent hosted an international scientific and practical conference titled "Women in the SCO region: mutually beneficial cooperation", organized by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan jointly with the SCO Center for Public Diplomacy in Uzbekistan on 3 March.

The event was held within the framework of implementing the provisions of the Agreement on Long-Term Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation of the SCO Member States aimed at strengthening and expanding cooperation between women’s organisations of the Organisation member states.

The main purpose of the conference was to discuss the issues of enhancing the role of women in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, exchange experience and promote their participation in the implementation of socio-political, social and economic reforms in society, study and develop recommendations to improve the legislative norms to protect and ensure women’s rights in the SCO countries.

The event was attended by representatives of the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, heads of women’s organizations of SCO countries, business, culture, science and education.

Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis Tanzila Narbayeva sent a video message to the participants of the event.

During the conference participants noted that in Uzbekistan the issue of gender equality has been elevated to the level of state policy. A strategy for achieving gender equality by 2030 has been approved, a solid legislative basis has been established for improving the status of women, targeted work is under way to promote women to leadership positions, improve reproductive health, provide employment and State protection for women from gender-based violence, and a programme for providing housing for socially vulnerable segments of the population is being effectively implemented.

It is important to step up the exchange of experience and joint development of innovative approaches by the SCO countries in the sphere of protection of women’s rights and legitimate interests, further increase their role and activity in the public and political sphere, and involve them widely in scientific activities.

The participants noted that thanks to the initiatives taken by the governments of the SCO countries, active involvement of women’s organisations and youth movements there has been an increase in women’s cooperation, including in the regularly-held SCO women’s forums.

The conference focused on further deepening the exchange of experience and coordination of efforts to improve state policy and legal frameworks for the social protection of women. It was emphasised that the widespread use of best practices and innovative approaches by SCO member states in supporting women and protecting their rights and interests will be an important foundation in this direction.

During the event, a constructive exchange of views took place on both the experience and the results achieved in the field of enhancing the role of women in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, on further increasing the social and political participation of women and on gender equality. Foreign experience of women’s participation in socio-political and socio-economic life was analysed at the event with the assistance of experts. It was noted that equal rights of women, their full participation in solution of political and socio-economic problems are considered by the governments of the SCO countries as one of the priority conditions for economic development, democratisation and stability of society in the SCO countries.

Based on the results of the conference, relevant recommendations and proposals have been developed which will serve as a basis for preparation of new projects and programmes to protect the rights and interests of women, ensure gender equality, effectively promote women’s leadership and women’s entrepreneurship, and promote sustainable dialogue and cooperation in the SCO region.