Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 9-13 September 2024 – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Committee for Religious Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan in partnership with Al-Azhar University (Egypt), Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Tashkent, with financial support of the Government of Great Britain, hosted a training workshop  on advancing women’s rights from an Islamic perspective. The Programme is supported by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Board of Muslims of Uzbekistan, International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, Association of Mahallas of Uzbekistan and the Committee on Family and Women of Uzbekistan. Held from 9 to 13 September 2024, the event brought together religious leaders and community representatives from all regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan to enhance efforts in promoting gender equality, women’s rights, and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV).

Dr. Nigina Abaszada, UNFPA Resident Representative in Uzbekistan and Country Director for Tajikistan, emphasized the importance of integrating religious perspectives into gender equality initiatives in her opening remarks. She stated, "Islam has a long tradition of promoting women’s rights, justice and protection of women and girls, so they live in dignity and respect, realizing their potential and choice. By engaging religious leaders and communities, we ensure that these values are reflected in our collective efforts to advance women’s rights and prevent gender-based violence. UNFPA is committed to supporting Uzbekistan in these vital efforts, and we believe that this workshop will serve as a significant milestone in our journey towards gender equality."

UNFPA recognizes the vital role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) and communities in bringing in positive changes, educating and raising awareness on the rights and well-being of all members of the society, especially the most marginalized people in the country. FBOs, serving as cultural agents of change, play a crucial role at the grassroots level, aligning with UNFPA's goal to ensure rights and choices for all. Al-Azhar University, a global Islamic institution, has embraced positive changes, rejecting harmful practices and promoting women's rights. UNFPA  and the Government of Uzbekistan collaborate with FBOs like Al-Azhar University to amplify progress towards gender equality within the “Strengthening prevention and response to violence against women and girls in Central Asia” UK Integrated Security Fund Regional Project, one of the outputs of which is related to “Increased knowledge, awareness and capacity of women, men, boys and religious leaders on GEWE and GBV so as to lead the needed change in social and gender norms in the selected regions”. This is done through the work with faith-based organizations to increase awareness of gender equality and decrease tolerance to discrimination against women and GBV.

The workshop in Tashkent engaged up to 60 participants including imams, otin-oyi, mahalla representatives, and faith-based organizations (FBOs), featured distinguished professors from Al-Azhar University, a leading institution in Islamic studies, who shared their expertise on women’s rights in Islam. The workshop commenced with a high-level dialogue involving Uzbekistan government officials and representatives from Al-Azhar University. 

The workshop empowered religious leaders and community representatives to actively promote gender equality, women’s rights, and GBV prevention. It raised awareness about the harmful effects of GBV, emphasized the importance of women’s rights in Islam—including family planning and socio-economic empowerment—and encouraged the exchange of best practices for integrating gender-sensitive approaches into religious teachings and community outreach. Covering a wide range of critical topics, from women’s social and economic empowerment in Islam to tackling traditional harmful practices and violence against women, the workshop equipped participants with the knowledge and strategies needed to effectively communicate these essential messages within their communities.

Prof. Dr. Abbas Soliman, Secretary-General of the Islamic Council of Senior Scholars and Former Deputy to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, emphasized the role of religious leaders in safeguarding women’s rights: "Islam upholds the dignity and rights of women, and it is our duty as religious leaders to ensure that these rights are protected and promoted within our communities. This workshop is an excellent platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices that will help us fulfill this responsibility."

H.E. Amira Fahmy, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Uzbekistan, also expressed her support for the initiative, stating, "The collaboration between Al-Azhar University and Uzbekistan serves as a powerful example of how religious and governmental institutions can work together to promote gender equality. Egypt is proud to support this important work, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on communities across Uzbekistan."

H.E. Timothy Smart, British Ambassador to the Republic of Uzbekistan, in his video message, emphasized the importance of the partnership between the UK Government and Uzbekistan in advancing women’s rights. He stated, "Gender equality and women’s rights are at the heart of UK Government policies. Advancing gender equality and challenging discrimination is not just the right thing to do, it also benefits everyone. Greater gender equality brings freedom, boosts prosperity and trade, strengthens global security and builds resilience. We will continuously suppor the Government of Uzbekistan, UNFPA and other stakeholders in promoting the Rights of Women and in ending violence against them."

The event culminated with a study tour to Samarkand, where the delegation from Al-Azhar University conducted a seminar for local religious and community leaders, further extending the impact of the workshop.

This initiative marked a significant step towards advancing women’s rights in Uzbekistan, leveraging the influence of religious leaders and faith-based organizations to drive positive change in society.

Disclaimer:

This project and the materials have been funded by UK International Development from the UK government; however, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.