Tashkent, 12 May 2018 – On the occasion of the International Day of Families 2018 the Women’s Committee of Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Cycling Federation and United Nations Population Fund in Uzbekistan (UNFPA) join hands in promoting healthy lifestyle among women, advocating for women’s empowerment, promoting women’s right to participation in sports activities, sexual and reproductive healthcare services and education through convening Women’s Cycling Marathon. The Marathon gathered about 1,000 women participants.

The Women’s Cycling Marathon is organized in Tashkent city on the occasion of the International Day of Families which is observed on the 15th of May every year. This year’s theme is “Families and inclusive societies” and its observance focuses on Sustainable Development Goal 16 relating to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.  This year’s observance of the International Day of Families is to raise awareness of the role of families and family policies in achieving more inclusive societies from regional perspectives.

The present marathon was convened in Tashkent city under the motto: «Healthy woman – wealthy society”. It gathered more than 1,000 active girls and women of 18 & above age range. It aimed to demonstrate and advocate healthy life-style among women. “When women and girls are educated and healthy, actively participates in all spheres of life, when they are able to make their own choices, when they and their partners have the information and means to plan their families, those families are better off, their communities are stronger, and we are all closer to the sustainable future we seek» - highlighted Ms. Feruza Fazilova, UNFPA Officer-in-Charge and National Programme Officer on Reproductive Health in Uzbekistan, in her opening statement.

Convening of such kind of events contribute to strengthening of our joint efforts in promotion of women’s rights, reproductive health and gender equality. Expanding rights and opportunities for women and girls is critical not only for the well-being of families but also for the health of society and a country's development. Women lend their energy and expertise to social and economic progress.

Ms. T.K. Narbaeva, Deputy Prime minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chairperson of the Women’s Committee, President of Cycling Committee and representatives of the Tashkent city Mayor’s office took part in the event.

Marathon concluded with awarding ceremony of the winners and as performances by the representatives of the musical variety of Uzbekistan.