Development Dialogue for the 16 days of activism for the elimination of violence against women was held in Uzbekistan.

           November 25th is known as an International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women all around the globe. Within 16 days of activism, from November 25 to December 10, events are held to actively work against gender-based violence.

       Uzbekistan has also contributed by holding a dialogue on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on December 2, 2019 organised by us and supported by the Women’s Committee.

      The purpose of this event was to expand knowledge about gender-based violence of four categories: sexual, emotional, physical and economic, get familiar with the impact of violence made worldwide and discuss the main causes and consequences of this major problem identified in Uzbekistan and propose policies to prevent and tackle gender-based violence.

      At the beginning of the conference, opening speeches were made and a video was shown dedicated to protecting women from violence and oppression. The video was followed by a presentation entitled "Key indicators: protection, prevention, empowerment" presented by the UNDP joint Project “Empowering Women to Participate in Public Administration and Socio-Economic Life”.

     The presentation claimed that violence against women is a serious cause of death and incapacity among women of reproductive age, which is similar to cancer and is a greater cause of bad health than traffic accidents and malaria combined (World Health Organization, 2018). Northeast Asia has the highest rates of violence against women (37.7%). Every third woman worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence in her lifetime, often by an intimate partner. Only 52% of single or married women can make their own decisions about sexual relations, usage of contraceptives and take care of their health. About 650 million married women and girls today are under 18. Every second woman killed worldwide was murdered by her partner or a family member in 2017. 72% of all human trafficking victims worldwide are women and girls, and three out of four of these women and girls are sexually exploited.

       Domestic violence mostly occurs in countries or families with low income because of the quality of education being received. Violence against women is also provoked by her lower economic status because of her gender and a traditional family structure. Yet, it is important to note that not many countries have adopted laws to protect women from violence and harassment (World Bank, 2018). However, Uzbekistan is one of the countries which has adopted two laws: “On the Protection of Women from Harassment and Violence” and “On Guarantees of Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men” this year. These laws encourage the government and other organizations to step up their efforts to prevent harassment and violence against women.

              This event contributed to understanding the extent of violence against women and the active participation and support of Uzbekistan and other nations to end violence. The discussion was closed with recommendations and proposals made for inter-organizational cooperation.