Uzbek women start driving buses - 20th March 2024

An important law about driving has changed in Uzbekistan. Now, women can drive buses and trucks. This wasn't allowed before.

Saodat Shermatova was excited to hear about the change. She immediately began a training course.

Saodat Shermatova: "When I heard that the ban on driving buses and trucks for women had been lifted, I cried with joy. My family, children and especially my husband were very happy. My daughter was the happiest and she said, 'You will be one of the first women in Uzbekistan to drive a bus'."

She now drives the number 51 bus around Tashkent, the capital city. It's the biggest city in central Asia.

Uzbekistan is mainly Muslim and has 35 million people. When it became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991, women actually became less free. Over time, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has helped to change people's attitudes.

There's also a law to encourage more women politicians now. Before, nearly all politicians were male.

Nargiza Gadoyeva isn't interested in politics. She used to be a driving teacher. She's happy to be in a bus now. From the driving seat, she can give hope to younger women.

Nargiza Gadoyeva: "I'm very happy about this government decision. Men haven't said anything to me yet. Even if they said something, I wouldn't pay attention. I think my example will inspire other women, and in the future, women will also drive trams and trolleybuses. That's why I decided to get behind the wheel."

There's a long journey ahead because Tashkent's only got two women bus drivers. But Shermatova can see that attitudes are changing. And it isn't just women's views either.

Saodat Shermatova: "At first, many passengers looked at me in shock. Men asked questions like, "Isn't this difficult for you?" Others looked silently with disapproval. But I don't care. The main thing is that I'm being trained and in the future, I'll drive this vehicle all on my own. Most of the men and women looked at me positively and wished me luck."