Since March 2024, DVV International and the Uzbek National Center for Socio-Economic Development (SABR) have implemented the project “Promoting Gender-Transformative Territories/Communities through Civil Participation (GTT/C)” in cooperation with local partners. On November 28 in Tashkent, the final forum brought together around 60 representatives of state and non-state institutions, local communities, the media, and gender experts to discuss the project’s results and possible next steps toward gender-transformative change.
Across Uzbekistan, officials, community leaders, and civil society actors increasingly recognise that sustainable development cannot be achieved without gender equality and full inclusion of all groups in society. Adult learning and education (ALE) plays an essential role in this process by strengthening the skills, knowledge, and the capacity for civic engagement. It provides communities with the tools they need to challenge harmful norms and shape more equitable societies. The final forum of the GTT/C project illustrated real-world examples of change through ALE.
Project impact: skills development and community empowerment
During the project period, more than 50 representatives from partner NGOs and local authorities were trained in gender-transformative approaches and advocacy. Over 700 women from vulnerable groups acquired leadership, financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills, and 68 graduates have since launched their own small businesses. Eight socio-economic and gender-specific analyses (SEAGA) were conducted in selected municipalities and twelve gender-sensitive public initiatives were implemented.
These achievements illustrate how ALE contributes not only to personal development but also to broader gender-transformative processes, enabling communities to model new social norms.
Sharing lessons learned and practical tools
The forum provided space to share lessons learned, present SEAGA results, and introduce a new handbook, “Step by Step to Gender-Transformative Communities”. Participants discussed how to embed and scale this approach at local and national levels.
Opening remarks were delivered by key national and international partners. Orzigul Kozikhonova, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Culture and Sports, stressed the importance of advancing gender equality in Uzbekistan. Dr. Andrea Huterer, representing the German Embassy, emphasised Germany’s commitment – within the framework of its Feminist Foreign Policy – to strengthening women’s participation. Christos Marazopoulos, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation, underlined how women’s full participation in economic, political, and social life is essential for sustainable development. In a video message, Esther Hirsch, Acting Director of DVV International, highlighted the potential of ALE for promoting gender equality, drawing on the long-standing experience of the Volkshochschulen in Germany.
Cultural change as a key to gender equality
The speakers emphasised that laws and political reforms alone cannot ensure gender equality; cultural attitudes and societal norms must also evolve. The participants themselves further highlighted the need to involve men in gender initiatives to achieve meaningful and lasting transformation.
In her concluding remarks, Tatyana Zaichenko, Country Director of DVV International Uzbekistan, stated:
Sustainable gender equality requires collective action. Government agencies, NGOs, and local communities should continue to collaborate by integrating gender-sensitive governance and approaches into local development strategies, while supporting local initiatives.
The event closed with a shared commitment to further strengthen gender-transformative practices across Uzbekistan and to build on the strong results achieved through the GTT/C project.
The GTT/C project is co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).