The European Union provides assistance to rural women of Uzbekistan in launching entrepreneurial activities

With the financial support from the European Union this Summer 96 low-income women and youth of Urgut and Akdarya districts of Samarkand region received sewing machines, notebooks, gas stoves and confectionery equipment worth of 243.7 million sums to start entrepreneurship.  

In February 2021 the National Center for Socio-Economic Development “SABR” jointly with the Commission on Gender Equality of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Association of Business Women of Andijan, Khokimiyats of Izboskan, Buston, Akdarya and Urgut regions launched the project on “Strengthening institutional and organizational capacity of NGOs to respond to the impact of COVID-19 on most vulnerable women and youth in rural areas of Uzbekistan and improve their socio-economic situation” financed by the European Union. The main goal of the project is to actively contribute to improving the lives of low-income rural residents most affected by COVID-19. 

Currently within the project 1185 low-income women and youth completed short-term courses and received certificates in 6 vocational areas: sewing, confectionery, hairdressing, folk crafts, computer literacy and manicure and pedicure. The trainings were held at the Rural Information Resource Centers “Choykhona” established by “SABR” center in April 2021 at Urgut and Akdarya districts of Samarkand region as well as Izboskan and Buston districts of Andijan region.

The uniqueness of courses was that after obtaining professional skills for 2 months, “Choykhona” graduates had the opportunity to develop and apply their business plans and win grants up to 5,0 million sums to start entrepreneurship activities.

Besides, the Rural Information and Resource Centers provided free counseling services by a doctor, a psychologist, and a lawyer to 2,485 course participants and “Choykhona” visitors. These consultations contributed to the social support of women and youth of target districts, raising their awareness and skills in accordance with the goals of project financed by the European Union. 

The Rural Information Centers “Choykhona” of Andijan and Samarkand regions provided vulnerable population with employment, self-sufficiency and improvement of their social and economic conditions with a purpose to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on women and youth. Taking advantage of the opportunities provided, students were able to improve their well-being by developing professional skills, starting their own businesses and accessing information resources.

“Choykhona” RIRCs will continue to serve as information and training centers for rural women and youth and provide them with the necessary resources and skills after the project ends.