Uzum Market and UNDP Organised Business Training for Uzbek Women

As part of a joint educational project between the national ecosystem and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Uzbekistan hosted a series of master classes for women who were either planning to start their own business or were already developing one in the Uzum Market. Over 200 women in Tashkent participated in the training during the two months of the project, and masterclasses will soon be held in all regions of the country.

“It is important for us to ensure that women across the country have access to the knowledge they need in today’s world, from financial and digital literacy to marketplace business skills,” said Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan. “The development of digital platforms creates new opportunities, equalising them for residents of big cities and small towns, women and men, young people and the elderly. Together with Uzum, our goal is to contribute to narrowing the gender gap and help women learn new skills.”

There is a significant interest in business development in the marketplace among existing entrepreneurs and those considering starting a business. Marketplaces worldwide are becoming a platform for small and medium-sized businesses, providing an easy way to take the first steps, find initial customers, and grow.

Ilshat Khametov, CEO of Uzum Market, stated, “Today, almost half of the participants in our seller academy are women, and around 3500 of our sellers are women entrepreneurs. We believe that their numbers will continue to increase. We are prepared to share knowledge and create user-friendly tools for novice entrepreneurs, making small businesses a national priority.” The training sessions are available both online and offline in Russian and Uzbek.