17 May 2012 – April-May will host a number of training events for representatives of regional branches of Women’s Committee, and makhallya (community) advisers in Tashkent city, Tashkent, Djizak and Namangan regions. This educational initiative is being jointly organized by UN Population Fund (UNFPA), Women’s Committee and Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan.

The cascade of 3-day training sessions is aimed at raising awareness of participants in the broad spectrum of issues concerning reproductive health and reproductive rights. In particular, training will cover the issues of international agreements in safeguarding maternal health, including MDGs and progress on them, the concept of families and family relationships, gender equality, reproductive health of couples, and many other aspects.

Special focus will be given to family planning, use of contraceptive methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies, prevention and treatment of sexually-transmitted infections.

Along with theoretical knowledge, participants will have a chance to improve their skills in communications, counseling, strategic planning and advocacy. These skills are especially important for makhallya advisers and representatives of Women’s Committee since they play an important role in working with population to educate them in the areas of healthy lifestyle and creation of healthy families.

Organizers plan to hold eight training sessions, covering more than 160 people.

UNFPA and Women’s Committee of Uzbekistan have a long history of partnership in the area of educating various groups of population, including makhallya representatives, on reproductive health and rights. In 2010 the two organizations jointly produced and distributed a handbook on RH/RR for makhallya advisers.

This series of training is, therefore, part of UNFPA’s and its partners’ long-term mission in supporting education and advocacy on reproductive health and reproductive rights.

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