How do social prejudices impede women to pursue career goals? How often do female professionals face gender-based stereotypes, which make them give up their aspirations? These and other questions were answered by the employees of companies based in Uzbekistan within the framework of a research project “Gender Equality in the Workplace in Uzbekistan” conducted by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, and WIUT, the Westminster International University in Tashkent.
“My parents were strictly against me working or building my career because they thought that I would get married anyway and the most important thing for me is to be a good bride and a good wife” — says Jamila Xalibaeva, Creative Director of IT Park. Such stereotypes not only limit the professional aspirations of women but also their access to education. “In general, women are not getting enough education to be equal to men. It starts from education when parents choose to invest in boys’ education rather than in girls’. That’s why women often lose in the career competition” — notes an HR manager of a company participating in the research project.
Social stereotypes are most difficult to fight due to their deep-rooted nature. Women can overcome the social prejudices with strong support within their families, both their parents and spouses. Promisingly, Uzbekistan has witnessed a positive trend over the last decade with a significant increase in women’s participation in the labour markets. The number of female business leaders increased significantly, including the spheres which have earlier been perceived as masculine, such as STEM*. In addition, creating a gender-equal environment became on the list of priorities for many companies in the country.
International studies demonstrate that providing women with equal education and job opportunities offers significant benefits to societies. Families benefit from the increased income that allows them to enjoy better healthcare and education, better food, and better opportunities for their children. By making the work environments more diverse and gender-equal, companies boost the productivity of employees, and businesses employing women in leadership positions have proven to be more profitable. This success translates into the economy as a whole, helping the country to grow and prosper.
Despite the substantial progress in Uzbekistan, many female professionals constantly face gender stereotypes limiting their development and growth. The gender gap is particularly notable at the managerial level, with the number of male high-and-mid-level managers ranging from 60 to 85 per cent depending on the sector. To overcome the barriers and facilitate progress towards gender-equal societies, joint action from people, business and the government is needed.
A fair division of household and childcare responsibilities enables women to free up their time, while access to education and employment allows them to develop and use their human capital in business and labor markets.
* Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
** This video is made only for social purposes and has no intention of advertising any of the mentioned companies.
