Tashkent, 13 May 2017 – On the occasion of the International Day of Families 2017 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 education, participation in sports activities, sexual and reproductive healthcare services through convening Women’s Cycling Marathon. The Marathon gathered about 1,500 women participants.

The Women’s Spring 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, education and well-being” and its observance focuses on the role of families and family-oriented policies in promoting education and overall well-being of their members. In particular, the Day is to raise awareness of the role of families in promoting early childhood education and lifelong learning opportunities for children and youth.

The Day also aims to discuss the importance of ‘knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development’ (SDG4, target 4.7).

The present marathon was convened in the heart of Tashkent city under the motto: «Healthy woman – healthy generation”. It gathered more than 1,500 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. Mieko Yabuta, UNFPA Representative in Uzbekistan, in her opening statement.

Marathon concluded with awarding ceremony of the winners and as well as performance by the dancing groups and representatives of the musical variety of Uzbekistan.