Roundtable “Rural Women and Resilient Future” on the Occasion of the International Rural Women’s Day

On October 23, a roundtable discussion was held at the U-Enter Innovation Center in Tashkent under the auspices of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This roundtable marked the International Rural Women’s Day, which is celebrated annually on October 15.

The event was organized by FAO, the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Committee on Family and Women’s Affairs at the Cabinet of Ministers and brought together representatives of the national Parliament, government institutions, international organizations, academia, and the media.

The roundtable was held under the theme “Rural Women Rising: Shaping a Resilient Future within the Framework of Beijing+30.” Participants discussed the role of women in ensuring food security, promoting sustainable rural development, and advancing gender equality.

Particular attention was paid to the updated Country Gender Assessment (CGA) of agriculture and rural areas in Uzbekistan, prepared by FAO in 2025. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current situation, identifies key challenges and opportunities, and offers strategic recommendations for promoting equal opportunities in the agricultural sector.

The opening session was moderated by Dono Abdurazzakova, Senior Gender and Social Protection Advisor at the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Orzigul Qozikhonova, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, Women, Culture, and Sports; Mukarram Akhmedova from the Committee on Family and Women’s Affairs; and Nuriddin Dzhumabayev from the Ministry of Agriculture.

The CGA report was presented by FAO International Consultant Elizabeth Duban and Dono Abdurazzakova.

During discussions, participants exchanged views on measures to enhance women’s participation in decision-making, improve access to resources and education, and expand economic opportunities in rural areas.

The dialogue brought together representatives of government agencies, international organizations, and academic and research institutions. Among the participants was a representative of the Scientific Information Center of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (SIC ICWC), who highlighted the importance of an intersectoral and regional approach to gender equality and sustainable rural development.

Participants expressed their commitment to continued cooperation among government institutions, international partners, and civil society to put the CGA recommendations into practice. FAO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national efforts aimed at promoting gender equality, fostering sustainable rural development, and improving the well-being of rural women.