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U-turn on law against women drivers - 20th March 2024

After revoking legislation which prohibited women from driving heavy vehicles weighing over 2.5 tonnes, women in Uzbekistan are now hitting the road as bus drivers.

This woman, Saodat Shermatova, was thrilled to hear about the lifting of the ban and enrolled on a training programme like a shot.

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'."

These days, Shermatova proudly maneuvers the electric 51 bus on its route around Tashkent, the Uzbek capital and also the most populous central Asian metropolis.

A predominantly Muslim country of 35 million people, its 1991 split from the Soviet Union gave rise to a more conservative status quo. Gradually, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, there's been a liberalization of the government's stance, particularly concerning women.

To redress the balance in politics, an arena in which women are hugely underrepresented, the Uzbek parliament has voted through a ruling which imposes a 40% quota of women candidates in elections.

With no designs on entering the political sphere, Nargiza Gadoyeva, an erstwhile driving instructor, is overjoyed to be in the driving seat and so serve as a role model for younger generations of 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."

Although it could be a bumpy ride ahead, given there are merely two women bus drivers steering their vehicles around Tashkent's streets, Shermatova notes that the vast majority of men and women are supportive.

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."