On August 14 and 15, 2024, the Customs Committee under the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan took a significant step toward enhancing gender equality by hosting a two-day training session on Gender-Responsive Budgeting. This event, held at the Customs Institute in Tashkent, was aimed at building capacity among the staff and ensuring that the principles of gender equality are integrated into budgetary processes.
The opening of the training was marked by a keynote speech from Otabek Choriev, Deputy Chairperson of the Customs Committee, who emphasized the importance of gender equality in public finance management.
Deputy Chairperson of the Customs Committee Otabek Choriev during his opening speech
A key component of the training was an insightful online presentation by UNDP experts Manita Ray and Damaris Rosabal. The presentation, delivered via video conference, provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of gender-responsive budgeting, including the impact of fiscal policies on different gender groups and the importance of sex-disaggregated data in budget planning. The experts shared global best practices, tools, and methodologies that have been successfully implemented. The presentation also underscored the significance of GRB as a critical element of achieving the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions.
This training is part of ongoing efforts to align Uzbekistan’s fiscal policies with international standards and commitments to gender equality. By equipping public officials with the necessary skills and knowledge, the Customs Committee is paving the way for more inclusive and effective public finance management in Uzbekistan.
The State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan is actively pursuing institutional reforms for gender equality by implementing UNDP’s Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions, with additional support from the Senate Committee on Women and Gender Equality. Guided by various Seal standards and benchmarks, the SCC has developed an action plan that includes initiatives ranging from improvements in HR policies to more responsive public services, all aimed at aligning institutional efforts with the principles of gender equality enshrined in the SDGs and other international frameworks. The Ministry of Finance and Economy of Uzbekistan is also implementing the Seal, underscoring the commitment of Uzbek authorities to enhancing public finance and administration for the benefit of all citizens, both women and men.
As the country continues to implement its gender equality strategy, initiatives like this training session play a crucial role in fostering a culture of equality within public institutions.
