Supporting women-led civil society organisations in Uzbekistan to build peace and security

Since President Shavkat Mirziyoyev came to power in 2016, Uzbekistan has been recognised for its rapid pace of reforms in a number of areas. But substantial challenges remain that hinder progress toward a more open and rights-centred society. These include a repressive legacy and current harmful practices, distrust of the authorities, gender-based violence and unresolved community grievances that do not always receive sufficient attention from officials.

Building on our previous work in 2018 – 2019, Saferworld and Istiqbolli Avlod are working to help promote peacebuilding and gender sensitive action by supporting over 20 women-led civil society organisations in Jizzakh, Tashkent and Namangan regions of Uzbekistan. Together with these organisations, local authorities and law enforcement officials, we aim to address community security concerns by identifying drivers of conflict and planning community problem solving initiatives from January 2021 to June 2022.