TASHKENT, Uzbekistan – 28 May 2025 — As part of Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms to combat gender-based violence and promote social norms rooted in equality and protection, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in partnership with the Association of Mahallas of Uzbekistan, launched a three-day training titled “Gender Equality in the Mahalla: Legal, Religious, and Psychological Approaches.” The training brings together 40 regional coordinators and “Yettilik” representatives from across the country. It aims to strengthen local capacity through a multidimensional and culturally sensitive approach to gender-based violence (GBV) prevention.
“Mahallas are on the front lines of social cohesion in Uzbekistan,” said Matluba Umurzakova, UNFPA Assistant Representative in Uzbekistan, in her opening remarks. “By training specialists to identify stereotypes, offer survivor-centered support, and lead inclusively, we are translating national gender equality reforms into practical, everyday realities for families.”
Echoing this message, Jovdatkhon Inagamov, First Deputy Chair of the Association of Mahallas, highlighted the importance of continued partnership with UNFPA. He emphasized that strengthening the role of mahallas in promoting gender equality and preventing violence is a shared priority. “This training represents another important step in equipping our local leaders with the knowledge and skills to create safer and more inclusive environments for all,” he said.
The training builds on a workshop held in February 2025, which underscored the pivotal role of mahallas in preventing violence against women and advancing gender equality. By integrating legal, religious, and psychological perspectives, the current programme aims to help mahallas become safe and inclusive spaces for women and girls. This initiative is conducted in partnership with the British Embassy in Tashkent as part of broader collaboration under the UK’s International Security Fund.
Over the course of the three-day training, participants will:
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Deepen their understanding of gender concepts and learn how to recognize workplace stereotypes;
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Explore religious principles that promote equality and condemn violence;
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Review national and international legal frameworks that protect women’s rights;
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Gain knowledge in gender-sensitive human resource management and inclusive leadership;
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Strengthen practical application of survivor-centered approaches to GBV prevention.
This initiative supports the implementation of Cabinet Resolution No. 137 on the “Mahalla Yettilligi” system (adopted on 15 March 2024), as well as Uzbekistan’s national development strategy “Uzbekistan–2030,” which positions gender equality as a key pillar of sustainable development.
The Association of Mahallas coordinates the work of 9,452 neighborhood committees across the country. In his speech on International Women’s Day, 7 March 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced that 3.3 trillion UZS would be allocated this year to support women’s entrepreneurship initiatives at the mahalla level. In addition, $100 million will be provided under the Family Entrepreneurship Programme, and commercial banks will contribute another $100 million to issue unsecured loans of up to 50 million UZS to self-employed women in mahallas. These measures reflect the President’s strong commitment to advancing gender equality in Uzbekistan.
As Uzbekistan continues to prioritize gender equality and community resilience, initiatives like this training serve as vital steps toward long-term systemic change. By investing in local leadership and combining cultural and legal approaches, UNFPA and its partners are working to ensure that every mahalla becomes not only a center of governance, but a foundation of dignity, safety, and opportunity for all.
This project has been funded by UK International Development from the UK government; however, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.
