ISO: UZB
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The electronic version of this document has been prepared at the Fourth
World Conference on Women by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
in collaboration with the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women
Secretariat.
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AS WRITTEN


DELEGATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN
DILBAR GULAMOVA
DEPUTY PRIME-MINISTER CHAIRPERSON OF WOMEN'S COMMITTEE
OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN

ADDRESS FOURTH WORLD CONFERENCE ON WOMEN
BEIJING September 12, 1995

Madam Chairperson,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen.

At the present time the attention of women of the world, attention of
the planet is concentrated on the capital of the People's Republic of
China - Beijing. During the week we are discussing about the life,
rights of women, problems concerning mother, child and family, which has
a great importance for all the human beings and for the future
generation.

Standing here, I have the honour on behalf of the people of Uzbekistan,
which is one of the largest country in Central Asia, to express the
warmest greetings to all of you, to the Chinese government and to the
Secretary of the United Nations Organization, who have organized the
Conference and warmly met us here.

And I, as a representative of women of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which
is building the social oriented market economy society it became an
independent, want to say that we consider the documents, which are
expected to be adopted on the conference as a very important ones.
Though we did not take part in Nairobi’s Conference 10 years ago, we
successfully used its documents to improve the life of women, to provide
their active participation in social, political and economic spheres.

Especially, since Uzbekistan proclaimed its independence, our women are
playing more important role in social, economic development.

The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as other laws,
provide judicial guarantees of women equality.

Our government pay a great attention to the role of women in social
production and their ability to correspond the great changes which are
taking place in the world.

President of Uzbekistan as well as Government undertake measures on
realization of women rights in political life of society, strive for
more considerable role of women in decision-making process. We can label
as historical the decree of President of Uzbekistan I. Karimov "On
measures on increase of women's role in state and social building of the
Republic of Uzbekistan issued on 2 March, 1995. This decree provides
attraction of women to solution of social and economic problems,
enlarging their participation in state and public management, enforcing
social protection of family, maternity and childhood as well as
coordination of work of ministries and other concerned structures in
these directions. The new post of Deputy Prime Minister on Women Issues
was introduced recently, which will supervise all questions connected to
increase of women's role in society. The same posts were introduced in
territorial and regional structures of power. Woman was elected as a
Deputy Chairman of Parliament. Thus the important step was made in
attraction of women to participation in solution of different issues on
parliamentary and governmental levels.

Uzbekistan is a country of ancient culture, where respect to parents
,and women is the basis.

In accordance with the constitution, which ensured equality of women
with men, Code on Marriage and Family, equal personal and property
rights in family relations are guaranteed to women.

In the period of rapid economic transformation, in such countries as
Uzbekistan, women and girls should have protection. created by the
international community. In this connection, such international
treaties, as Convention on Liquidation of all forms of Women's
Discrimination play a significant role. This Convention is often named
as International Bill on Women Rights. It confirms citizenship rights of
women and their rights for equality in all spheres. This is unique
international treaty, which confirms the right of women to give birth to
child and directs culture and traditions as forces in determination of
role of gender and family relations. It also outlines a plan of actions,
undertaken by the state for liquidation of discrimination. These diverse
approach makes Convention as a turning point in the struggle with
discrimination, based on gender basis.

This convention was ratified on the second session of parliament. Its
implementation represents the equal opportunities for protection of
girls and women and contributes establishment of international legal
norms, providing equality of men and women. This will also allow to
create legal basis for further actions and serve as a catalizator of
processes of social protection and national legislation if required.
Uzbekistan is already joined the convention of Rights of Child. These
rights are - right to live, protection and development and related to
all children independently of their sex. women consist more 51 X of
population and 15.1 S of active labor resources. About 3 million women
or 42% are involved in the process of production. In the sphere of
education women consist 63% and in the field of health care - 70%.

The first medal issued in independent Uzbekistan became the medal
"Soglom avlod uchun" ("For the healthy generation" ).Those who
constantly care about improvement of nation's mentality are awarded by
it. It is noteworthy that there are citizens of foreign countries among
those who awarded by it, those who undertake every effort for
improvement of health of mothers and children. The movement "Soglom
avlod uchun " in our Republic, the main aim of which is to protect the
interests of mothers and children and to take care of their health has
begun. On this way, in our Republic the non-governmental fund " Soglom
avlod uchun " has been founded. The basic principles of the Fund's
activity are: improvement of mother's and children's health, prevention
of spreading of diseases among the population, and also upbringing the
new generation, the family planing and providing medical service for the
mothers and children.

In this purposes we are closely cooperating many organizations and
institutions. We have established friendly relations with same
organizations of the world.

The work on a large scale to improve the women's health, prophylactic of
not desired pregnancy, early diagnostics and prejudice inborn defects of
intelligent, organizing medical help for children with acute intestinal
disease, disease of breathing organs in winter and summer periods of
year is held in our Republic.

Since national independence of Uzbekistan was gained. women of
Uzbekistan are actively participate in women movement under the United
Nations proclaimed slogan " Actions in the name of Equality, Development
and Peace ".

There are favorable conditions for development of public organization,
including women's ones. Women's Committee Issues, Associations
"Tadbircor Ayol", Association of women-scientists "Olima" Association
"Women and Nature Protection", women resource centre were set up within
extremely short period.

Now, Women's Committee Issues had already established contacts with its
foreign partners. Unification of women organizations of Central Asia
states in Bishkek on September 1993 became the first and very important
action.

Seminars on experience exchange was carried on with Association of
women-leaders of Pakistan. The most remarkable example of regions and
women movement of Uzbekistan is international. conference "Women. Family
and Society ", which was held in July 1994 under auspices of UN devoted
to international year of family. Representatives of more than 20
countries of far and near abroad participated in it. Carring on of this
conference in our republic seems very significant. Traditions and
customs of Uzbek people such as respect to family, love and respect to
mothers and sisters-home-keepers are the fundamental of our society.

The next problem, which I want to touch upon is the problem of Aral Sea.
Taking into the consideration the situation in Aral Sea region , the UN
is decided to organize international conference in Nukus city, which is
supposed to be held in the nearest future. I think that this forum will
promote improvement of mother's and children's health and will be the
important step towards solving the topical social issues. In this
connection I'd like to express my sincere gratitude to the UN.

Establishment of International Women Alliance consisted of women
organizations of CIS became one more example of consolidation of women
forces before Beijing Conference.

At the present time, all regions of Uzbekistan are holding scientific-
practical conferences devoted to the conference in Beijing; women of
Uzbekistan support projects of documents, preparing to the Fourth World
Women Conference and appeal for concrete actions in accordance with the
main ideas of the programme documents and slogan of the Conference "
Actions in the name of equality, development and peace ".

Thank you for attention.