The Central Asian country rewriting the rules on women's rights

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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Uzbekistan is rapidly advancing gender equality through sweeping legal reforms and social programs that have expanded women’s access to education, entrepreneurship and political representation
• The country has climbed 51 places in the global Gender Equality and Governance Index, reflecting reforms embedded across its constitution and more than 110 laws

🔭 The context: According to the World Bank Women, Business and the Law 2026 report, Uzbekistan ranks 48th out of 190 economies, with a legal equality score of 82.1 out of 100, well above the global average
• Women now hold 38% of seats in the Legislative Chamber, 27% in the Senate, and 32.5% of local council positions, following the 2024 parliamentary elections

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Advancing gender equality can significantly strengthen environmental and sustainability outcomes
• Studies consistently show that countries with higher female participation in leadership adopt stronger climate and environmental policies
• Empowering women economically can accelerate sustainable development and resilience to climate impacts

⏭️ What’s next: Uzbekistan is expanding programs to move women from informal work into formal employment with access to pensions and health insurance
• However, addressing gender-based violence and deep-rooted social norms remains a major challenge as the country continues implementing reforms

💬 One quote: “Legal and educational progress is significant, but sustainable gender equality requires men to become active allies in households, workplaces and communities.” - Akiko Fujii, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Uzbekistan 

📈 One stat: Women now make up 54% of university students and 61% of research roles in Uzbekistan

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