I wish to express my compliments and appreciation for the very modern
legal framework in favor of women’ s status and advancement existing in the
Republic of Uzbekistan.
I highlight the importance of having equality recognized by the
Constitution which together with the numerous decrees and resolutions of the
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Cabinet of Minister represent
the institutional mechanisms recognized among the 12 points of the 1995 Platform
of Beijing.
I deem also very important the work done by the Representatives of the
Republic within the several Commissions related to CEDAW and ILO acting as role
model for other Central Asian Countries.
I wish to underline the great work done by HE Mrs. Elmira
Basitkhanova-Deputy Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Women’s Committee of
Uzbekistan and who I had the honor to meet several times.
The Women’s Committee is the engine of the innovations regarding the
health care system for women and girls in the field of primary health care,
prevention and rural health.
As I could see during my last visit to Uzbekistan, on invitation of the
Women’s Committee to the International Conference “The Role of Women in
Formation of Civil Society, State and Social Construction: experience of
Uzbekistan” last September in Samarkand, the increased number in all spheres of
education has led to a higher presence of women in both economical and
political governance at all levels: from Mahalla to the National Level (Senate
and Legislative Chamber).
The protection of maternal leaves with full pay together with the social
facilities for working mothers are also very important in order to reconcile
working and private life and create a safe environment in families.
Last but not least, I wish to underline that beyond the opportunities
given to women and girls to receive an education or trainings and to experience
decision making position in politics, Uzbekistan through its wide system of
microcredit and a devoted legislation gives them the opportunity to develop
their talents in the field of small and family enterprises.
At the eve of the celebration of the International Women’s Day I wish to
express my admiration to all the women of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Maria Ludovica Bottarelli
Tranquilli Leali
Secretary General