No. 20 (681) March 2026
Women Water Week in Uzbekistan: From Theory to Practice — Strengthening Women’s Role in the Water Sector
On March 25–26, Tashkent hosted the “Women Water Week: from Theory to Practice” bringing together around 70 representatives of the country’s water sector, including experts from basin irrigation system authorities, government agencies, research institutions, and international organizations.
The event was organized with the support of the Ministry of Water Management of the Republic of Uzbekistan and international partners, including IWMI, SDC, ADB, UNDP, OSCE, as well as SIC ICWC (within the framework of the International Climate Initiative (IKI) project “Regional mechanisms for a low-carbon and climate-resilient transformation of the energy-water-land nexus in Central Asia”). The main objective was to strengthen the women’s role in the water sector, enhance professional skills, and create a platform for exchange.
On the first day, participants took part in plenary sessions held within the framework of the Tashkent Water Week, focusing on sustainable development, transboundary water cooperation, and trust building. In the afternoon, thematic sessions were held, during which representatives of SIC ICWC — Dinara Ziganshina and Zulfiya Yarullina — presented the Gender Concept for the Water Sector of Uzbekistan for 2025–2030 and the new Water Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Gulnoza Khamdamova (SIC ICWC) spoke about interagency coordination (Ministry of Water Resources, Hydromet, Geology) in the process of developing the Code.
The second day of the program focused on capacity building and leadership skills development. Sessions featured successful women professionals from the water sector and international organizations, who shared their experiences of career growth, professional challenges, and achievements. These contributions became an important source of inspiration and motivation for participants aspiring to further develop and actively engage in the water sector. Oygul Usmanova (SIC ICWC) spoke on behalf of the “Women in Water Management in Central Asia and Afghanistan” network and the Expert Platform on Water Security, Sustainable Development and Future Studies developed under SIC ICWC, highlighting ongoing efforts to engage women and youth in the platform’s activities.
The sessions generated significant interest, with participants actively engaging in discussions, asking questions, and sharing their experiences to foster an open and productive dialogue. Attendees also established new professional connections and discussed opportunities for future collaboration.
Women Water Week concluded with a closing ceremony where participants received certificates for their active involvement. Special recognition was given to women who have made outstanding contributions to the development of Uzbekistan's water sector.
The event marked a major milestone in advancing gender equality, expanding opportunities for women, and strengthening their roles as experts in water management.