Tashkent, March 17 – to support female entrepreneurs and protect their rights, the Entrepreneurial Women’s Council has been established under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan. This initiative was implemented following President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s decree on March 14, “On Further Improving the System of Support for Families and Women.”
Main objectives of the council
The Council is empowered to convey the concerns of female entrepreneurs directly to parliament, creating new opportunities for their business initiatives. It will focus on:
- Providing legal, financial, and practical support to female entrepreneurs;
- Enhancing their active participation in business;
- Promoting best practices among businesswomen.
Council composition
The Council consists of 27 members, including 21 female entrepreneurs. Nozimakhon Davletova, Head of the Department for Foreign Relations under the Presidential Administration, has been appointed as the Chairwoman. Additionally, representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, leaders of major companies, artisans, and banking specialists are part of the Council.
The Council Members Include:
- Nodira Shotursunova – Deputy Chairwoman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Dilfuza Nurmatova – CEO of “Hamroh” Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Company
- Alina Simerman – Founder of “Test Center Baho”
- Dilnoza Tashmuhamedova – Founder of “Kids Plate Distribution”
- Dilnoza Goziyeva – Founder of “Perfect Design Arh”
- Nodira Vakhidova – Founder of “Business-Woman” Women’s Entrepreneurship School
- Zeboxon Muminova – Founder of “Nova School” Private Educational Institution
- Madina Kasimbayeva – Artisan
- Nodira Akhmadaliyeva – Founder of “Gold Grown Pharma”
- Sabina Burkhanova – Artisan
- Dildora Khaitbayeva – Founder of “Kamron Gold Mediya”
- Maryam Niyazova – Founder of “Kumush Tola”
- Robiya Ibragimova – Founder of “RS Success Agro”
- Nargiza Aminova – Founder of “Narimteks”
- Gulira’no Kholiqova – Head of “Kholiqov Yolchiboy” Farm Enterprise
- Nargiza Bekmuratova – Director of “Artatex”
- Nodira Qurbonova – Founder of “Yaratov Ilxom Alxamovich” Farm Enterprise
- Shakhnoza Karimova – Founder of “Baraka Non Navoiy”
- Latofat Khosanova – Founder of “Chados-2009”
- Anna Dobrix – Director of “Iftihor Kiyim Sanoat”
- Feruza Kholiqova – Founder of “Feruza Hunar Markazi”
- Marxabo Yakubova – Director of “Jizzax Bek-Star”
- Tamilla Kurbonova – Financial Consultant, Trainer
- Gulzoda Rashidova – Deputy Chairwoman of the Board of “Xalq Banki,” Council Expert
- Shakhlo Ibragimova – Deputy Chairwoman of the Board of “Mikrokreditbank,” Council Expert
- Guzal Normakhmatova – Head of Department at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Council Secretary
Achievements of female entrepreneurs
Council members have achieved the following results:
- 2,639 new jobs created;
- $7.6 million worth of exports carried out;
- 402.8 billion UZS in trade turnover generated.
Launch of the ‘Entrepreneurial Women’ platform
By July 1, 2024, the ‘Entrepreneurial Women’ platform will be launched to offer:
- Assistance in purchasing raw materials;
- Market access for selling products;
- Support in finding and hiring specialists;
- Solutions to project-related challenges.
Financial support
- Unsecured loans of up to 100 million UZS will be provided;
- Grants for “Green Projects” and IT-related businesses;
- Mentorship grants of up to 50 million UZS for entrepreneurs who support at least five women in starting their own businesses.
Development goals for 2025
The government has set the following key targets for supporting women:
- Employment of 2 million women;
- Vocational and entrepreneurial training for 250,000 women;
- Higher education enrollment for 250,000 women;
- Rehabilitation programs for 50,000 socially vulnerable women, including motivational seminars on entrepreneurship.
Additionally, in 2025, an extra $200 million will be allocated for female entrepreneurship projects through the “Hamroh” and family business support programs.
The Entrepreneurial Women’s Council plays a crucial role in addressing business challenges faced by women, advocating for their interests, and fostering a supportive business environment. This initiative marks a significant step towards increasing the economic activity of women and strengthening Uzbekistan’s business landscape.
