Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in partnership with the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan and in cooperation with the Committee for Religious Affairs and the Committee for Family and Women, has held a practical workshop for religious leaders on gender equality, reproductive health, family well-being and the prevention of gender-based violence.
The initiative is funded by the European Union under the Joint Programme on Women’s Economic Empowerment in Uzbekistan, implemented by UNFPA, UN Women and UNICEF in cooperation with the Uzbek government.
The workshop focused on the role of religious leaders in fostering healthy family relationships, promoting mutual respect and shared responsibility between spouses, preventing violence and challenging harmful gender stereotypes.
Imam-khatibs, otinoyis and other representatives of religious education regularly engage with families and local communities. Their standing and the trust they enjoy among residents can help them disseminate reliable information, reinforce family values and promote respect for women’s rights and dignity.
The workshop aims to provide participants with scientifically grounded knowledge, reliable legal information and practical approaches that take Uzbekistan’s cultural context into account. It also seeks to support their involvement in promoting positive change within mahallas and families.
Participants discussed women’s rights in family relationships, mutual respect and spousal responsibility, national and international legal frameworks for gender equality, reproductive health and rights, family planning, and the causes, consequences and prevention of gender-based violence.
Particular attention was given to the role of men and boys in advancing equality, sharing family responsibilities and preventing violence.
Examining these issues in the context of Islamic teachings and values, participants emphasised the importance of human dignity, justice, mutual respect, family cohesion and responsibility.
The workshop also addressed practical cooperation between the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan and UNFPA to strengthen family well-being and encourage public dialogue in mahallas. Participants discussed the importance of addressing reproductive health, gender equality and family relationships through open and respectful dialogue that reflects the country’s cultural context.
The organisers said that improving religious leaders’ knowledge and communication skills could help extend the reach of reliable information among families, young people and local communities. This could also support responsible parenthood, informed reproductive health decisions and the promotion of zero tolerance for violence.
The Tashkent event was the first in a series of three practical workshops scheduled for 14, 17 and 20 October 2026 in Tashkent, Surkhandarya region and Ferghana region, respectively.
The first workshop, held in Tashkent on 14 October, brought together 55 participants. Overall, the organisers aim to strengthen the knowledge and practical skills of 120 religious and community leaders in gender equality, reproductive health, family well-being and the prevention of gender-based violence.
The organisers expect participants to share what they learn through their ongoing interactions with families, young people and mahalla residents, extending the discussion beyond the workshops themselves.
Gender equality is closely linked to women’s opportunities to access education, acquire professional skills, participate in employment and achieve economic independence. These opportunities, in turn, depend on health, safety, access to reliable information and support from families and society.
Against this backdrop, cooperation between UNFPA and the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan seeks to address reproductive health and rights, gender equality, violence prevention and women’s economic empowerment as interconnected issues.
The initiative, supported by the European Union, is intended to help overcome social and gender barriers that may restrict women’s rights, well-being and participation in economic life.
The organisers view engagement with religious leaders as one way to foster respectful family relationships, promote equal opportunities and support community initiatives aimed at preventing violence.
Further work in this area is expected to contribute to a social environment in which women can exercise their rights, make informed decisions about their health and future, and participate fully in the country’s social and economic life.
