On the occasion of International Women's Day, Regina Maria Castiglione, the UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan, emphasized in her column that while celebrating the achievements of girls and women is important, it is equally crucial to examine how societies treat them throughout the year. She noted that ceremonial events only lead to tangible outcomes when reinforced by political will and concrete actions.
The President of Uzbekistan signed a decree on March 3 titled “On Additional Organizational-Legal Measures to Strengthen the Protection of the Rights of Women and Children, as well as Prevent Cases of Pressure and Violence Against Them.” UNICEF commended this decree as a firm commitment to better protect girls and women, highlighting that this issue is central to national development.
The decree focuses on improving prevention, close cooperation, and support systems, underscoring that violence, coercion, and harmful practices are not personal matters but social problems with lifelong consequences. It particularly addresses adolescent pregnancy, detailing its negative impacts on education and health, and links it to early marriages, power imbalances, and lack of information.
According to UNICEF calculations, globally, one in four children lives with a mother who has experienced partner violence in the past year, and 12 million girls are married before age 18 annually. These statistics, despite insufficient comprehensive data in Uzbekistan, indicate the need to strengthen prevention and response mechanisms.
The core value of the decree lies in shifting the national approach from responding after harm occurs to preventing it beforehand. UNICEF also praised the emphasis on strengthening families and promoting violence-free living, and expressed eagerness to contribute through supporting initiatives like the “Happy Family” program.
However, laws and programs alone are insufficient; their implementation is critical. This depends on trained specialists, sustainable funding, and systems accessible to women and girls across the country, from Tashkent to Termiz. On this International Women's Day, Uzbekistan's steps in this area are viewed positively, as every girl deserves to grow up in safety and every woman has the right to live free from violence and discrimination.
Source: www.gazeta.uz