International Women’s day: Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
“Building the future: Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs on International Women’s day”
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, a roundtable discussion titled “Building the Future: Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs on International Women’s Day” was held in Fergana. The event was organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with Hamroh Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Company and other partners. Policymakers, experts, and women entrepreneurs gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to expanding women’s economic empowerment in Uzbekistan.
Held under the global theme of International Women’s Day, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”, the roundtable highlighted the importance of promoting women’s economic independence and supporting their development in entrepreneurship.
A key highlight of the event was the official launch of a new initiative by Hamroh. Implemented in partnership with UNDP and the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the initiative aims to create new opportunities for the development of women’s entrepreneurship across the country.
Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for women’s success in business:
“Investing in women entrepreneurs is investing in sustainable development. When women have access to the conditions they need to build successful businesses, entire communities benefit. UNDP will continue working with our partners across Uzbekistan to remove barriers and expand opportunities for women.”
According to Dilfuza Nurmatova, Director of Hamroh, the joint initiative is designed to enhance women’s economic opportunities through education and professional development, as well as expert support, including mentorship and acceleration programs. She also noted that Hamroh is the first company in Uzbekistan to provide free consulting services for women entrepreneurs, with the mission of inspiring and supporting women in building successful businesses.
During the event, the findings of a study conducted under the Aid for Trade project, funded by the Government of Finland, were presented. The research examined the key barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, including family caregiving responsibilities, limited access to finance, and networking challenges.
UNDP experts presented the study’s results and stressed the need to strengthen social support systems for women, expand financial opportunities, and increase access to education and skills development.
The event concluded with inspiring success stories from women entrepreneurs across Uzbekistan. Participants shared their experiences, challenges, and achievements, demonstrating the resilience and potential of women-led businesses in the country.
