A New Stage of Reforms: Cooperation Between the State and Society for the Sake of Human Dignity
The Address of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan, delivered on December 26, 2025, has become a historic and programmatic document defining the key priorities of the country’s socio-economic development in the near future.
It is important to note that this significant document sets clear objectives on the most pressing issues, including poverty reduction, ensuring women’s employment, enhancing the effectiveness of the mahalla system, and pursuing an uncompromising fight against violence.
In his speech, the Head of State placed particular emphasis on the need to fundamentally change the approach to addressing poverty. Accordingly, the primary focus is shifting away from providing material assistance toward developing sustainable income-generating skills among the population. Analytical assessments show that social benefits serve only as temporary support, whereas acquiring a profession and securing stable employment represent the only effective and systemic solution to the problem.
In this context, it should be especially highlighted that ensuring women’s financial independence has been identified in the Address as one of the most urgent priorities. It is encouraging that today, alongside government institutions, non-governmental non-profit organizations (NGOs) are also actively and effectively involved in this complex process.
Together with partner NGOs, the “SABR” National Center for Socio-Economic Development has introduced modern training modules tailored to current demands for women living in rural areas, covering areas such as “Fundamentals of the Digital Economy,” “E-commerce,” and “Microbusiness and Self-Employment.” As a result, participants not only gained theoretical knowledge but also acquired real sources of income.
Indeed, today issues related to social services and employment are being addressed directly at the mahalla level. NGOs, working in close cooperation with the “mahalla seven,” are identifying unemployed and socially vulnerable groups and providing them with targeted support.
In particular, in 2025 alone, more than 3,000 women and young people were trained in vocational skills by the “SABR” Center. The majority of them began employment activities within their local communities, which enabled their removal from social assistance registries and serves as a clear example of effective cooperation.
The fact that the issue of combating violence against women has been taken under the direct supervision of the Head of State is of great significance for public life. In this area, alongside ensuring the inevitability of punishment, greater attention has been given to strengthening prevention and rehabilitation systems. Practical experience shows that women’s economic independence is one of the most important protective factors in preventing cases of violence.
In conclusion, the interaction between the state, the mahalla, and civil society institutions represents the most effective mechanism for achieving the ambitious socio-economic goals that have been set.
As emphasized by the President, a strong civil society is a reliable guarantee of successful reforms. We are confident that today’s efforts serve to uphold human dignity and to create a safe and sustainable life for women.
Mavlyudakhon SHIRINOVA
Director
of the “SABR” National Center for Socio-Economic Development