Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The regular 14th summit of women leaders of the parliaments of the member states of the Inter-Parliamentary Union began its work in Tashkent.

On 9 September, the prestigious Summit, which is attended by women leaders (speakers) of the parliaments of the member countries of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, women deputies, and representatives of international inter-parliamentary organizations, continued its work with a meeting of a special segment on the topic: “Gender-oriented parliaments that are aimed at ensuring sustainability and prosperity”.

The meeting was opened by the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Martin Chungong.

Chairwoman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis Tanzila Narbayeva in her speech focused on the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan to achieve gender equality, protect the rights and freedoms of women, ensure their legitimate interests and stressed that this issue has been identified as a priority area of state policy, work in this direction is being carried out in all spheres of life of the state and society, based on the strict principle that "no woman will be left without the attention of the state and society."

A gender-focused parliament is especially important in dealing with crises, as evidenced by recent gender equality measures adapted to the context of the pandemic. Based on this perspective, the segment meeting, organized in the form of a discussion, exchanged views on four main themes.

In particular, the participants expressed their views that only a gender-oriented parliament can manage efforts to develop parliamentary diplomacy, cooperation and achievement, without such a parliament it is impossible to pass the necessary laws.

At the same time, the views of the participants were expressed that the parliament, aimed at gender equality issues, can prevent, punish and correct gender bias, harassment and violence against women in society and parliament, and women speakers can open up parliament and empower women.

Chairperson of the Senate of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbayeva and Chairperson of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Duarte Pacheco spoke at the final session of the forum.

It was emphasized that the Summit has become a unique platform for the exchange of views of women leaders on issues related to the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the development or revision of methods and tactics of regulation to ensure the protection of human rights and gender equality in the digital space. It was also noted that the Summit provided an opportunity to take stock of the readiness and ability of parliaments to respond to gender issues, anticipate risks and more effectively ensure peace, stability and prosperity.

As a result of the Summit, the Tashkent Declaration was adopted.