Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A thematic session on women’s role in advancing the country’s energy, infrastructure, and legal sectors took place in Tashkent as part of the 4th International Legal Forum “Tashkent Law Spring.”

Titled “Women’s Leadership in the Era of Digital Transformation in Energy,” the session brought together prominent female experts from international organizations, development institutions, government bodies, and the business community.

The session was moderated by Diora Ziyaeva, Partner at the U.S.-based international law firm Dentons. The discussion focused on promoting women in professional spheres, ensuring equal access to educational opportunities, and protecting women’s rights in an increasingly digitalized environment.

Hager Altwaijri, a representative of ACWA Power, shared initiatives on workforce development in the energy sector, noting that women now make up 23% of graduates at the Shirin Energy College in Uzbekistan. Her colleague, Olga Pak, presented corporate programs that support work-life balance and offer assistance to women affected by domestic violence in remote areas of the country.

Aziza Umarova of the Strategic Reforms Agency emphasized the importance of increasing the number of women in leadership roles within government structures. Among her proposals were the introduction of gender quotas and a review of extended maternity leave policies, which she believes may hinder women's career advancement.

Legal scholar and gender equality expert Kamola Alieva drew attention to the lack of protection for women in the digital space. She called for the urgent development of a legal framework to combat online violence. Meanwhile, intellectual property specialist Madina Tursunova stressed the need for stronger legal support for female-led startups, particularly in renewable energy and digital technology sectors.

Anar Nurbayeva, representing the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), spoke about the bank’s programs aimed at expanding professional opportunities for women in the energy industry. Aziza Umarova reiterated the necessity of systemic female involvement in the management of state-owned enterprises.

On behalf of the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan, Regina Davydova reported on the implementation of gender analysis mechanisms in the legislative process, which contribute to more equitable working conditions for women.

Concluding the session, participants emphasized that women in Uzbekistan are not waiting for ideal conditions — they are driving change themselves.

Thanks to their active engagement, transformation is taking place not only in the energy sector but also across legal, educational, and social domains.