Equal wages in Uzbekistan could lift 700,000 out of poverty

The World Bank's report "Analysis of Gender Equality in Uzbekistan" examines gender equality in various sectors of the country. It evaluates how social and cultural norms influence women's rights and societal perceptions. So, how gender inequality can be addressed in the county?

Since 2017, Uzbekistan has adopted laws ensuring equal pay for men and women for work and removed restrictions on women's labor in some areas. The country also enacted norms to protect women from domestic violence and improved women's access to education and health services.

The unemployment rate among young women in Uzbekistan is 15.5 percent, higher than the 10 percent rate among young men. Additionally, 42 percent of young women are not in education, work, or professional training, compared to 8.8 percent of young men. There is significant gender inequality in pay for services, with women earning 34 percent less than men, which is higher than the global average of 20 percent. Low wages and low employment rates among women negatively impact economic growth and increase poverty in Uzbekistan.

If women participate in economic activities on an equal basis with men, the national income in Uzbekistan will increase by 29%. Ensuring women receive the same wages as men will help lift more than 700,000 people out of poverty.  The report recommends that the government of Uzbekistan continue measures to eliminate gender inequality to fully realize the country's economic potential.