UNDP Azerbaijan explores the Uzbekistan’s experience in tackling the gender-based violence

May 15, 2024

A delegation from the UNDP Azerbaijan organized a study tour to Uzbekistan from 29 April to 3 May 2024. The purpose of the visit was to learn from the experience of government institutions, NGOs, international organizations and private entities working on gender equality and gender-based violence (GBV) in Uzbekistan. Specific objectives of the study tour are as follows:

Understand the context and main drivers of GBV in Uzbekistan, including factors such as mentality, social/cultural aspects, economic situations, addictions, digital/criminal environments, etc.
Familiarize themselves with UNDP Uzbekistan projects addressing GBV.
Explore:
1. Government initiatives for creating safe spaces for GBV survivors.
2. Roles and responsibilities of shelters in addressing GBV.
3. The role of mahalla (neighborhood community) structures in supporting women facing difficulties.

During five days the delegation held meetings and discussions with different government entities, NGOs, international organizations and private entities. On 29-30 April the delegation met with the representatives of the Republican Center for Rehabilitation and Adaptation of Women, NGO “Nihol”, Committee for Family and Women of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Issues as government initiatives to create safe environments for GBV survivors, engagements with relevant ministries, Senate, or other Government Authorities responsible for GBV policies, role of civil society in addressing GBV in Uzbekistan, and experience in rehabilitation work with perpetrators and correctional programs were discussed.

On 1-2 May the delegation was in Samarkand and paid visits to local NGOs. On 1 May the delegation visited “Rahmdillik Jamiyati”, shelter for GBV-survivors and discussed roles and responsibilities of shelters in addressing GBV, experience of Shelters in Samarkand and learnt about their experience and work mechanism, challenges, and risks. The same day they visited “Civic Initiative Support Center” (CISC) of Samarkand region and NGO “Sabr” and discussed the results of the study “The role of mahalla (neighbourhood community) in solving the problems of women in difficult life situations.” On 2 May the delegation visited Samarkand branch of the Center for Rehabilitation and Adaptation of Victims of Violence where the delegation members learnt about the center’s experience, work mechanisms, challenges, and risks.

As part of a comprehensive approach in combatting GBV the delegation was also interested in learning about partnerships with the private sector and innovative technologies employed in GBV prevention and response. Therefore, the delegation paid a visit to “Testo” LLC on 3 May to learn about joint efforts of UNDP Uzbekistan and the private sector as “Call Umida” initiative and other innovative solutions, and ways of partnership in addressing gender-based violence, especially street harassment.

Last but not the least, on 3 May in the Senate of Uzbekistan the delegation met with the representatives of the Senate Committee on Women and Gender Equality Affairs, Committee for Family and Women of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Republican Center for Rehabilitation and Adaptation of Women under the Agency for Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Samarkand branch of the Center for Rehabilitation and Adaptation of Women, Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Representatives of the above government entities of Uzbekistan shared their vision and experience on gender equality and combatting GBV with the delegation members.