A roundtable discussion, “Building Futures: Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs on International Women’s Day,” was held in Fergana, organized by UNDP and the Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Company “Hamroh” with other partners. The event gathered policymakers, experts, and female entrepreneurs to discuss challenges and opportunities for women’s economic empowerment in Uzbekistan.

Under the global theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”, the discussion shined a light on the incredible role women play in business and the importance of giving them the support they need to thrive as entrepreneurs.

A major highlight of the roundtable was the launch of Hamroh’s new initiative to support women entrepreneurs. Developed in collaboration with UNDP and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, the program aims to open more doors for women to start and expand their businesses.

“Investing in women entrepreneurs is investing in sustainable development. When women have favorable conditions to thrive in business, entire communities benefit. UNDP remains committed to removing barriers and creating more opportunities for women across Uzbekistan alongside our partners,” Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative, stressed the importance of fostering an inclusive business environment.

Dilfuza Nurmatova, Director of “Hamroh,” noted that the joint initiative would provide women with access to education, professional development, and mentorship programs. She also highlighted that “Hamroh” is the first company in Uzbekistan to offer free consultations for female entrepreneurs, encouraging them to pursue and sustain successful businesses.

At the event, experts presented a study from the Aid or Trade project, funded by the Government of Finland, exploring the biggest hurdles women entrepreneurs face—balancing social care, accessing finance, and industry-specific challenges. UNDP experts highlighted key findings, stressing the need for stronger social care policies, expanded training, and better financial support to help women succeed in business.

Additionally, successful women entrepreneurs from across Uzbekistan shared their personal journeys—their struggles, successes, and lessons learned—highlighting the power of perseverance and the need for ongoing support.

The roundtable wrapped up with a strong commitment to advancing women’s entrepreneurship, recognizing that inclusive and supportive policies are key to sustainable economic growth and thriving female-led businesses.