The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Uzbekistan launched UNDP Talks, a platform designed to showcase real-life stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through innovative poverty reduction initiatives. Bringing together government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, and media, the event served as a testament to resilience and sustainable impact.
In line with these efforts, Uzbekistan’s poverty rate has dropped from 17% in 2022 to 8.9% today, aligning with the United Nations’ Goal 1: ending poverty in all its forms everywhere.
Sabine Mahl, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, emphasized the transformative power of these initiatives, highlighting the impact beyond Tashkent.
“Seeing how these programs truly change lives across the regions has been one of my greatest privileges. Everywhere I go, I witness incredible talent. When people are given opportunities, their success benefits the whole society. That’s why events like UNDP Talks matter—they highlight real stories of change, proving these initiatives make a difference.”
Among the speakers was Inobat Ziyayeva, a woman who has faced adversity but has emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. Her story illustrates not only the challenges many women in Uzbekistan still face but also the opportunities that arise when the right support mechanisms are in place. From forced marriage to financial independence, Ziyayeva’s journey reflects the harsh realities and the power of determination in the face of adversity.
Home Where Woman’s Worth Is Measured by Motherhood
Born into a traditional household, Ziyayeva had little control over the course of her life. She was an ambitious student and excelled in sports, but her parents believed a girl’s destiny was marriage. At 19, they arranged her wedding, cutting short her dreams of higher education. The societal expectation of motherhood placed immense pressure on her, yet due to her husband’s medical condition, they were unable to have children. Despite this, the blame fell solely on her.
Globally, forced marriages remain a pressing issue. In 2021, the most common age of both men and women forced into marriages was 18 to 24 years, accounting for 37.3% and 35.9%, respectively. However, more than half of the women forced into marriages were below 18 years, with 24% being 15 years or younger. This pattern reflects the widespread nature of early and forced marriages, which continue to limit the futures of young women worldwide.
«I was constantly reminded that I had ‘failed’ as a wife because I could not bear children. My mother-in-law treated me as if I were unfavorable, no matter how much work I did. I tended to the livestock, baked bread, and did all the housework, but it was never enough.»
Her husband worked in Russia and was rarely present, leaving her alone to navigate the hostility within her household. Her mother-in-law was verbally and physically abusive, constantly threatening to throw her out. Yet, every time she tried to leave, her own family forced her to return. After years of enduring emotional and physical hardship, she found herself at a breaking point.
The struggles women face in such marriages are intensified by deeply ingrained living arrangements. Central Asia has one of the highest percentages of women living with their mother-in-law. In Tajikistan, 48.5% of married women live with their in-law family, creating an environment where women have little autonomy and are often subjected to stricter household control. This dynamic further traps women in cycles of dependency and abuse.
From the Ashes of Betrayal
A tragic incident marked the moment her life took a drastic turn. On March 7, her husband returned from Russia and gifted her a gold chain. Her mother-in-law was furious. “Why would you waste gold on a barren woman?” she snapped. Two days later, on March 9, she deliberately left the gas cylinder open. When Ziyayeva went to cook, it exploded. She suffered severe burns and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. While still in recovery, she was tricked to sign divorce papers, effectively leaving her without a home or support system. Returning to her parents was not a viable solution, as she was seen as a financial burden.
«My brother and his wife argued about my medical bills. I felt like an outsider in my own family. I realised that if I did not take control of my life, I would never find stability.»
Determined to regain independence, she sought employment at a sewing workshop, where she worked tirelessly for four years while caring for her disabled mother. This period of hardship taught her self-reliance but also exposed her to further vulnerabilities. Without formal education or skills, she was left with few opportunities to build a sustainable future.
Escaping One Nightmare, Entering Another
In 2018, she was forced to remarry by her family, hoping for stability. However, her second husband was an alcoholic, and his family was equally abusive. The violence she experienced led to the loss of her first pregnancy. Even when she conceived again, the abuse continued.
«When I was seven months pregnant, my sister-in-law pushed me down the stairs. I called an ambulance, but when I returned, they had locked me out. I slept on the street for two nights, not knowing where to go or what to do next.»
Desperate and with no one to turn to, she remembered Bibisora Oripova, a doctor known for performing reconstructive surgeries on severe burn victims. Ziyayeva had previously sought her help to remove burn scars from her face and neck, but the procedures had to be postponed due to her pregnancy. Now, with nowhere else to go, she reached out again, this time not just for medical assistance but for refuge.
Dr. Oripova connected her with the Rahmdillik Centre, a shelter originally established to support women with severe burns who had been abandoned by their families. Over time, Rahmdillik expanded its mission to provide a safe haven for women escaping domestic violence and social exclusion. Under Oripova’s guidance, Ziyayeva not only found shelter but also underwent several surgeries to remove the most severe burn scars, helping her regain confidence and a sense of normalcy.
On November 27, 2021, she gave birth to twins—a boy and a girl. But her son was weak and passed away when he was just six months old. The grief nearly consumed her, but she knew she had to keep going for the sake of her daughter.
While staying at the shelter, Ziyayeva learned about UNDP’s programmes supporting women in vulnerable situations. Encouraged by counsellors, she applied for legal aid and vocational training, taking her first steps toward a new life.
A Home, A Business, A New Beginning
Through UNDP’s legal aid programme, Ziyayeva was guided to secure stable housing. While living in the shelter, she received vocational training in multiple fields, including tailoring, embroidery, office management, and carpet weaving, which allowed her to develop skills necessary for financial independence.
«Securing my own home was the moment I knew my life had truly changed. People say a girl is just a guest in her parents’ house, but that should never be the case. Everyone deserves a place to call their own.»
Her next goal is to establish a small sewing business, using the skills she has with support from Rahmdillik Center and at the premises of the building she received through UNDP-supported legal aid program. With a designated workshop space in her home, she envisions employing other women facing similar hardships, providing them with opportunities for financial independence.
Beyond financial security, Ziyayeva is now focusing on raising awareness about domestic violence and supporting other women who face similar challenges. She hopes to collaborate with local NGOs to create safe spaces for women and children who need immediate assistance.
Scaling Impact
Ziyayeva’s story is more than a personal triumph—it highlights the importance of accessible legal aid, vocational training, and safe housing initiatives for vulnerable women. UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, Ms. Akiko Fujii, underscored the need for continued efforts in this direction:
«These are stories of resilience, dignity, and opportunity. UNDP doesn’t just implement projects; we work hand in hand with communities to build lasting solutions. As we mark 60 years of impact, our goal is clear—to do more, to do better, and to ensure that no one is left behind.»
UNDP Talks is the first in a series of events dedicated to sharing best practices and ready-to-scale solutions in poverty reduction, livelihoods, and inclusive development. The event called for stronger partnerships, bringing together the government, donors, the private sector, and civil society to collaborate and build on solutions that work.
