Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A grand ceremony dedicated to International Women’s Day took place at the Kuksaroy residence.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a congratulatory speech, warmly addressing the women of the country. He emphasized that protecting their rights and interests and enhancing their role in society remain key priorities of state policy.

Over the past years, women’s participation in governance has significantly increased. Since 2017, their share in leadership positions has grown from 20% to 35%. Today, women make up 38% of the deputies in the Legislative Chamber and 27% of the members of the Senate. Their active engagement across various fields contributes greatly to national development.

Uzbek women continue to achieve remarkable success. Last year, Uzbek female athletes won three gold, eight silver, and three bronze medals at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Additionally, 25 Uzbek women triumphed in international cultural and artistic competitions, while 71 talented girls secured victories in national contests.

The President paid special attention to improving women’s quality of life and expanding opportunities for them.

— Women who manage to care for their families, raise children, pursue education, work, and engage in entrepreneurship are the true heroines of our time. In New Uzbekistan, ensuring their well-being and creating conditions for their self-fulfillment in all areas will remain a top priority of state policy, — Mirziyoyev stated.

In line with the principles of a social state enshrined in the updated Constitution, new measures are being implemented to support women. This year, 162,000 women with disabilities will receive medical care in sanatoriums, hospitals, and at home. Around 130,000 widows will be provided with financial support, while housing conditions for 6,000 families will be improved. Additionally, employable women will receive job opportunities.

Each year, 50,000 women facing difficult life circumstances will be sent to scenic regions of the country for training and rehabilitation.

Women’s health is the foundation of a strong society. This year, 230 maternity hospitals will be equipped with 21,000 modern medical devices. Moreover, screenings will be conducted to detect early-stage cancer among 1.5 million women.

Education for girls plays a crucial role in societal progress. Women now make up 52% of university students. Last year, 15,000 female master’s students received financial aid totaling nearly 100 billion soums to cover tuition fees.

More than 6,200 women are involved in scientific research, contributing to a quarter of all scientific developments in Uzbekistan. This highlights their growing role in the country’s intellectual and scientific progress.

The government will continue to develop educational opportunities for girls, from preschool to university. This year, 250,000 girls will enroll in higher education institutions—3.5 times more than in 2017. Another 250,000 women will receive vocational training and entrepreneurial skills. Under the Bright Future program, at least 200 women will be sent annually to top international universities for studies.

The President also addressed women’s employment and business development.

At his initiative, a Council of Businesswomen will be established under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the authority to present issues affecting female entrepreneurs to Parliament.

To support women’s businesses, an additional 3.3 trillion soums will be allocated this year. Within family business programs, $100 million will be designated for female entrepreneurs, with another $100 million secured through commercial banks for interest-free loans to self-employed women.

A four-stage women’s entrepreneurship support system will be introduced:

20,000 women will receive training in business fundamentals.

100,000 self-employed women will receive assistance in launching businesses.

Two small enterprises in each district will be upgraded into exemplary mid-sized businesses.

The 50 most successful female entrepreneurs will scale their businesses to an annual turnover of over 100 billion soums.

Overall, 2 million jobs for women will be created in 2025 through professional training, employment, and business development.

— We set ambitious goals in every sphere. Achieving them largely depends on raising a worthy generation, and that is in your hands, dear women, caring mothers, — the President emphasized.

By a presidential decree issued on March 3, 28 young women were awarded the Zulfiya State Prize. On March 4, a group of women who achieved outstanding results in professional and public activities were honored with state orders and medals. A solemn awards ceremony took place during the event.

In conclusion, Mirziyoyev once again congratulated women on behalf of the nation, wishing them well-being and happiness:

— I wish you good health, peace, and prosperity in your families. May you always be blessed with life’s greatest treasure—family happiness—surrounded by loving children, relatives, and the respect of the people!

A celebratory concert was held at the "Uzbekistan" Palace in honor of the occasion.