Women Empowerment Initiatives and Socio-Economic Development

Abstract

Empowered women encourage economic development and assist in making stable societies, and everyone benefits from the growth and stability that empowered women add to the economy. According to a study by McKinsey, if the economic participation of women is promoted globally, especially in developing countries, then it might enhance world economic growth by $28 trillion dollars by 2025. In Uzbekistan disparities exist between men and women in education, health, employment and income opportunities, control over assets, personal security, and participation in the political process in the country. The women come across significant barriers which deter her to participate fully and freely in contributing to the economic growth of the country. The stereotypical image of women, where we revere her mainly as a mother, the guardian of family wellbeing, is rooted in the minds of people; it is true, but in today's world, she should not be an inactive bystander, but an active and proactive contributor in the currently going on democratic transformations in the country. There is no denying the fact that Uzbek women have made a considerable progress in the last few years, but they have to struggle against many handicaps and social evils in the male-dominated society. The empowerment of women is one of the solutions to the problems of inequality, subordination, and marginalization. A critical problem and a high priority for the Government of Uzbekistan are to improve women's role and empower them to take part in the economic growth of the world. This chapter speaks about the government initiatives in empowering Uzbek women and bringing gender equality in the society. The data for the chapter was collected from secondary sources. The objectives of this article are to examine and analyse the initiatives taken by Uzbek government and other UN bodies for gender equality and women empowerment. The same strategies can be replicated in other parts of Central Asia where women are still not treated equally and can be empowered to contribute to the socioeconomic growth. The current research may suggest the authorities and civil society organizations to improve and implement inventive methodologies to attain gender equality, advancement, and peace.