Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 3-5 September 2020, in Kashkadarya region, within the framework of the Project on Sustainable Forest Management, implemented by the FAO Representative Office in Uzbekistan together with the State Forestry Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a seminar was held on the territory of the Kitab State Forestry -training aimed at developing handicraft skills among women. In particular, during the course, rural women were taught how to turn traditional crafts into a new source of income. At the same time, special attention was paid to enhancing knowledge of legal culture, including gender equality.

It should be noted that the gender aspect is included in all 4 components of the Sustainable Forest Management Project. At least 30% of women are planned to participate in all events, training courses and professional development processes. All conditions have been created for women to equally use all the resources and possibilities of the project, within the framework of which it is planned to provide work for at least 500 families.

One of the directions is the creation of alternative sources of income for rural women and an increase in their labor activity. Historically, Kashkadarya region was famous for such traditional types of applied arts as carpet weaving, “iroki” embroidery, and production of wool products. Today, when our country can rightfully be considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, when the products of our folk craftsmen, their elegance and originality are of great interest to foreign guests, folk craft may well become a good source of income. And the last training seminar was organized to convey this idea to rural women, to increase their knowledge and skills in this area.

Experts told the participants about the strategies of alternative income generation, about effective methods of marketing finished products. And hereditary masters of applied arts shared their rich experience in such ancient types of folk craft, told how to use resources efficiently, told about the culture of manufacturing inherent in Kashkadarya region, methods of making traditional blankets, skullcaps, woolen products and much more.

The training seminar was held in compliance with the quarantine requirements. Among the participants were representatives of low-income families, residents of Dekhkanabad and Kitab districts of Kashkadarya region and the forestry territories of Syrdarya region.

In the future, within the framework of the Sustainable Forest Management Project and together with the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Forestry, it is planned to open a shop selling handicrafts made by women. In addition, in support of this initiative, the project will donate equipment for wool processing.