Uzbekistan Moves to Expand Job Support for Women Affected by Violence

The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (Uzbek parliament) has approved in its first reading a bill aimed at amending the national legislation “On Employment of the Population,” with a specific focus on expanding support for women affected by domestic violence and harassment.

The proposed amendments seek to strengthen both employment opportunities and social protection measures for women who have experienced various forms of abuse, The Caspian Post reports per Uzbek media.

Under the new provisions, eligible women-those with the appropriate skills and qualifications-may be offered jobs in state institutions. Employment will be facilitated based on referrals from Inson Social Service Centers and lists submitted to local labor departments.

These women will also be formally registered with labor authorities as job seekers to streamline access to support and job-matching services.

During parliamentary discussions, the MPs emphasized the timeliness and significance of the proposed changes. Lawmakers raised a number of questions to the bill’s initiators and received comprehensive responses.

Following deliberations, the draft legislation was passed in its first reading and will move forward through the legislative process.