Law change means women bus drivers - 20th March 2024

On the roads of Tashkent, Uzbekistan's capital, locals might be surprised to see women bus drivers. The government's changed a law which prevented women from driving buses and lorries.

News of the change filled Saodat Shermatova with happiness. She immediately registered for training.

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'."

Shermatova can now be seen driving the number 51 bus around Tashkent, central Asia's largest city.

Uzbekistan has a population of around 35 million, most of whom are Muslim. When it separated from the Soviet Union in 1991 and gained independence, life became more limited for women. However, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has slowly opened up the situation for women, so attitudes are changing.

The Uzbek government has now voted to bring more women into politics. At the moment, hardly any of the country's politicians are female.

Nargiza Gadoyeva has her eyes on the road, not on a place in government. The former driving instructor feels positive about being an example to younger Uzbek 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."

Since there are only two female drivers in Tashkent at present, the road ahead is long. However, Shermatova's already seen a change in attitude in both men and women.

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."