31 May 2021, Tashkent – Today mass media plays an important role in ensuring gender equality. Journalists have the opportunity to drive public’s attention to these ideas. The efficiency of media coverage depends on the capacities of media representatives. That’s why FAO together with the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan and the Association of “Women of the Agricultural Sector” of Uzbekistan organized the workshop for mass media representatives to develop their knowledges about the concepts of gender equality and its role in agriculture and food security. The workshop became a part of a series of trainings conducted within the framework of the FAO project “On supporting the implementation of inclusive agricultural policies”.

     Inclusive agricultural policy means involvement of all segments of the population in the development of this area, regardless of age, gender, ethnic and religious affiliation. The implementation of inclusive agricultural policies offers great opportunities to enhance the role of women and youth in agriculture, taking into account the principle of “Leaving no one behind”.

     The participants of the training including the representatives of state and private TV channels, radio and other media have been informed on basics of gender approaches in agriculture, on the national legislation of Uzbekistan on gender issues and the role of women in ensuring the food security of the population of Uzbekistan and in the development of agriculture.

     Special attention at the training was paid to such an important event as the approval of the Strategy for Achieving Gender Equality in the Republic of Uzbekistan until 2030 by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This document provides a comprehensive approach to the implementation of the principle of equality between women and men in all areas and levels of decision-making and execution. The Strategy is developed fully in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

     The workshop was conducted by professors and international experts. Earlier similar workshops were held in Tashkent and Termez for the representatives of agricultural sector. Another number of workshops are planned to be held in other regions of the country. With this, FAO provides assistance to the Ministry of Agriculture and other entities related to the country’s agricultural sector, to enhance the capacities of policymakers and practitioners to formulate and implement inclusive and socially just policies and programmes that take into account the interests and needs of socially vulnerable groups, especially rural women.