Women in Uzbekistan

The availability of contraceptives and maternal healthcare is mixed. 62.3% of women were using free contraceptives in 2003.[4][5] However, the UN estimates that about 13.7% of women in Uzbekistan who would like to prevent, or delay, their next pregnancy are unable to do so because of limited access to contraceptives.[6] In 2000, there were approximately 20,900 midwives in the country.[7]

There are reports that forced sterilization of women is practiced in Uzbekistan.[8][9][10] A BBC World Service "Assignment" report on 12 April 2012 uncovered evidence that women are being sterilised, often without their knowledge, in an effort by the government to control the population.[11]

Self-immolation is a common form of suicide among women in Uzbekistan.[12] In 2001 it was estimated that approximately 500 women a year kill themselves because of abusive situations.[13]

The UN has recognized some efforts of the government to curtail human trafficking.[14] For example, telephone hotlines are available for trafficking victims,[15] and trafficking carries a jail sentence of five to eight years.[4][5]

However, trafficking still persists, as Uzbekistan is both a supplier and consumer of trafficked women.[16][5]”Trafficking occurs as an extension of the ‘shuttle’ trade. The women are sent as tourists with promises of employment as nannies, tutors or baby-sitters, but they often end up working in the sex industry.”[13]

"Gender roles in the economy changed during the Soviet period and continue to change in independence."[17] While the Uzbek state has programs in place to help increase economic opportunities for women, there are persistent problems. For example, the labor market is sex-segregated, and women are usually paid lower wages.[18] "Unskilled personnel in the non-production sector are comprised virtually entirely of women.”[4][5] Women also cannot be used for night time or overtime work.[4] As of 2003 there was no known law against sexual harassment.[19]

Mothers with disabled children or many children can retire at 50, which is up to five years earlier than the stipulated retirement age (55).[4]

As of 2004 Uzbekistan’s election law requires political parties to nominate at least 30 percent female candidates for the parliament. However, the underrepresentation of women is endemic at all levels of government.[5]

Uzbekistan has universal suffrage;[4] however, "according to data from surveys conducted by the Public Opinion Centre, 64% of urban and 50% of rural women consider that men have greater opportunities for implementing their rights in the political sphere".[4]

Forced marriage through bride kidnapping occurs in parts of the country, especially Karakalpakstan. [20] Bride kidnappings are believed to be tied to economic instability. Whereas weddings can be prohibitively expensive, kidnappings avoid both the cost of the ceremony and any bride price.[21] Some scholars report that less desirable males with inferior educations or drug or alcohol problems are more likely to kidnap their brides.[22]