President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, at an event marking International Women's Day, declared that the country will implement a strict, systematic fight against any cases of violence and pressure targeting women and children. He stated that a strategic task has been adopted for this purpose, and a recently signed decree will bring significant changes to address these issues.

Explaining the decree's content, the president emphasized that it is "a very big decree that changes consciousness, a decree that brings justice." He noted that young people who raise their hands against women and exert pressure will now be forced to live by the law in Uzbekistan or leave. Mirziyoyev revealed that he insisted on life imprisonment for repeat offenders committing sexual crimes against children, despite opposition from lawyers: "I said this cannot happen in the Uzbek nation. In the Uzbek country, in New Uzbekistan, it does not suit our multi-ethnic people."

The head of state also addressed another critical issue, pointing out that 2,589 women are currently serving sentences in correctional facilities. He stressed that these women, who committed crimes for various reasons, are also citizens of Uzbekistan, and serious thought is needed to reintegrate them into social life and make them full members of society.

Among the female inmates, 1,239 have secondary education but lack a profession or trade, and 443 have expressed a desire to study at higher education institutions. Mirziyoyev announced the launch of a new targeted life program for such women: "Together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Agency for Professional Education, and the Ministry of Employment, we will train female inmates in three-to-six-month vocational courses and issue certificates."

Additionally, the president promised to create opportunities for female prisoners to take exams on-site, enter universities, and study remotely. He highlighted that interest-free loans will be provided to those admitted on a contract basis, with repayment required after serving their sentence and securing employment, aimed at facilitating their rehabilitation.

Source: www.gazeta.uz