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As part of the 'Improvement and Generosity in the District' event in the village of Berdak, Korauzak district, the social situation and living conditions of citizen Zhuzimgul Khabibova were studied. It was established that the family breadwinner had passed away, and the citizen lives in difficult social conditions with two minor children.

Housing Condition and Problem Solution

A thorough inspection of the residential premises revealed serious foundation defects, signs of structural collapse, and large cracks in the walls. Furthermore, it was found that the door and window structures were outdated and unfit for use.

According to the technical conclusion, repairing this house was deemed economically and structurally unfeasible, and reconstruction was impossible because the house was built adjacent to two other apartments. Since this apartment became uninhabitable, to improve the housing conditions of the family, considering their difficult social situation, a new two-room apartment, fully equipped with all amenities, within the territory of the 'Zhuzimbag' settlement in the Kegeyli district, was purchased and handed over to citizen Zhuzimgul Khabibova.

Other Cases of Assistance

Islambek Tajetdinov, deputy head of the 'Waqf' charitable public foundation branch in Karakalpakstan, reported that in the current year, the old apartment of citizen Mehribon Kashimbetova in the 'Dostlik' village of Tahiyatosh district was completely destroyed, and a modern new four-room house was built in its place and put into operation. Work on repairing the housing of citizen Sarviniso Khudayberdieva from the 'Pakhtachi' village of Ellikkal'a district, who was affected by a fire, has also been completed, and the house was handed over to her.

Overall Charitable Aid

To implement these charitable activities, the 'Waqf' charitable public foundation allocated 80 million sums. Moreover, over the past few months of the current year, the branch has provided assistance to 622 low-income families in Karakalpakstan who are without a breadwinner and need support. This aid included 164 million 320 thousand sums of food for 622 families, 12 million 820 thousand sums of beef for 63 families, 119 million 783 thousand 440 sums of children's clothing and toys for 1855 families, as well as material assistance amounting to 18 million sums for treatment and medicine for 6 families.

A Congolese entrepreneur who destroyed thousands of rand worth of equipment in her Melmoth salon spoke about the reasons for this dramatic incident. She stated that she did so after being told she no longer had the right to run the salon due to her foreign citizenship.

Circumstances of the Conflict

The woman shared the grief she experienced during the confrontation, insisting that she legally resides in South Africa and has invested significant funds in her business. She claimed that a group of people informed her that foreigners were prohibited from owning salons, and that these businesses would be transferred to South African entrepreneurs. Initially, she ignored these remarks, believing they would not lead to any action.

According to the woman, what hurt her the most was the accusation that she was an unregistered Mozambican citizen, which she vehemently denies. She emphasized: 'What upset me was that they said I was an illegal immigrant from Mozambique. I am Congolese and legally reside in South Africa.'

Negotiations and Business Valuation

The confrontation occurred just days after she paid R12,000 rent for the salon, causing her concern about recovering her invested capital. In an attempt to find an amicable solution, the woman invited one of the women involved in the discussion to inspect the salon and ask her to imagine what she would do in the same situation. She explained that she had invested over R120,000 in the salon's equipment.

Furthermore, according to the woman, she was asked how much she wanted for the business, and she initially valued it based on her investments. She stated that the amount was reduced to R50,000, which she agreed to, but then another man rejected this figure and allegedly offered her only R10,000. She commented: 'I asked one of the women to look at my business and asked if she could leave the salon to someone for free if she were in my place. I told her I spent over R120,000 on equipment. She convinced me to agree to R50,000, but then the man said that R50,000 was too much, and that R10,000 would suffice. I asked her how such a small amount could help me.'

Additional Claims and Group Conditions

The woman also reported that her handbag was snatched during the confrontation. Her account came against the backdrop of statements from the group behind the alleged takeover, according to which anyone wishing to run the salon must make substantial investments. This group claims that potential operators must spend over R11,000 on renovations, pay R12,000 in monthly rent, and invest about R101,000 in new salon equipment. The group also stated that the salon premises are available to anyone willing to invest.

A working meeting was held in Tashkent to discuss the final draft of the document 'National Gender Equality Profile in Uzbekistan' (Country Gender Equality Profile — CGEP). This document is being developed by the Ministry of Family and Women of the Republic of Uzbekistan with the assistance of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the UN entity on gender equality and women's rights (UN Women).

Goals and Content of the Profile

The main goal of the meeting was to accurately reflect the reforms, changes, and initiatives implemented in the country over the past years, update statistical data, and conduct a comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of national efforts to ensure gender equality.

'National Gender Equality Profile' is a comprehensive analytical document at the national level. It summarizes quantitative and qualitative data on the participation of women and men in society, their rights and opportunities, socio-economic status, and outcomes in various fields. In addition to assessing achievements, the profile identifies areas requiring deeper reform. It is intended to serve as an important analytical source for evidence-based policy development, strengthening cooperation at national and regional levels, and interdepartmental coordination.

Data Collection Methodology

Official statistical data, scientific and analytical studies, as well as national and international reports were used in preparing the profile. Furthermore, primary data obtained from surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions were applied. The data was analyzed taking into account criteria such as gender, age, place of residence, socio-economic status, disability, and others.

Achievements in Gender Equality

During the discussion, it was noted that over the last decade, a stable political will has been formed in Uzbekistan to ensure gender equality, and legislative and institutional mechanisms have undergone deep modernization. Constitutional guarantees for the protection of women's rights and interests have been expanded, administrative and criminal liability for domestic violence has been established, and the infrastructure for gender statistics has been developed.

Significant results have been achieved in expanding educational opportunities, protecting maternal health, and increasing the political and social activity of women. In particular, it is noted that the share of women in parliament has reached 38 percent, the gender statistics portal provides data on more than 217 indicators, and Uzbekistan is recognized as one of the world's leading countries in open gender data.

Areas for Further Reform

The document also outlines current issues that require attention in the next stage of reforms. These include ensuring the full and uniform implementation of adopted progressive laws locally, strengthening protection and justice mechanisms for victims of coercion and violence, and expanding women's participation in the labor market. Measures are proposed to reduce the gender gap in professional fields, increase access to decent jobs, lower the wage gap, alleviate the burden of unpaid domestic and care work, and further expand women's participation in economic and political decision-making processes.

Conclusion and Prospects

During the working meeting, proposals and recommendations were put forward regarding the improvement of relevant aspects of the document by ministries and agencies, as well as the inclusion of the latest statistical data by sector and a fuller reflection of implemented reforms and their practical results. Following the discussion, it was decided to summarize the submitted proposals, further coordinate the data with relevant ministries and agencies, and improve the final version of the document.

This profile will contribute to the effective implementation of the 'Strategy for Achieving Gender Equality in the Republic of Uzbekistan by 2030', the development of scientifically sound state programs, and the strengthening of interdepartmental cooperation in ensuring gender equality. Ensuring gender equality is a crucial social issue, as it serves as a key condition for the country's long-term economic growth, human capital development, poverty reduction, improved family welfare, and strengthening social cohesion in society.