Career opportunities for women
To guarantee that all NSPI female graduates find employment after graduation and in line with the government’s 2030 objective, NSU provides programs aimed at stopping the gender gap in a range of Uzbek professions. Every NSU program is different and offers our female students job options in fields where women are underrepresented, such engineering, retail management, insurance, supply chain, and the legal profession. Through the organizing of orientation sessions, seminars, workshops, and school visits, the university is making a lot of effort to entice female students to pursue these subjects. The fact that more individuals are participating in outreach and engineering programs and that there will be more female engineers in the future makes NSPI glad.
Gender Equality – Career and Employment Outreach Initiatives
Empowering Young Women through Career-Oriented Outreach
To promote equal access to employment and professional growth for women, Navoi State University actively implements outreach initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between education and the labor market. These initiatives align with the principles of Gender Equality and contribute to women’s full and effective participation in economic life.
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1. “Career Camp 2025” — National Career Development Outreach
In collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation and the Youth Affairs Agency, the university supported the “Career Camp 2025” held in Bo‘stonliq district on 24–31 August.
This seven-day national camp was designed for 2nd- and 3rd-year students, including a large number of talented young women from Navoi State University.
The camp provided hands-on training on:
Resume and interview skills;
Digital literacy and personal branding;
Teamwork, communication, and leadership;
Networking with top national employers.
Special attention was given to ensuring that female participants gained confidence, professional exposure, and access to real-world employment opportunities, helping them prepare for leadership roles in diverse sectors.
2. “Career Day” Employment Fair — Connecting Women Graduates with Employers
Navoi State University organized the “Career Day” Employment Fair to facilitate the employment of graduating students, with a specific focus on enhancing women’s career opportunities.
Over 40 enterprises, organizations, and banks — including Navoiyazoat JSC, Milliy Bank, Aloqabank, and several educational institutions — participated in the fair, presenting available job vacancies directly to students.
Female graduates were actively encouraged to participate and engage with employers to explore suitable career paths. The fair created a supportive environment for women entering the workforce, helping them gain visibility, negotiate opportunities, and establish professional connections.
This initiative was held in partnership with:
Navoiy Regional Administration,
Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation,
Youth Affairs Agency, and other regional partners.
The event also received national recognition, being featured on the UzA (Uzbek National News Agency) platform, which further highlighted the importance of women’s employment and participation in professional sectors.
Impact and Future Goals
Through such outreach programs, Navoi State University ensures that female students and graduates receive equal access to employment resources, exposure to industry leaders, and professional skill development.
Professional Services and Coaching
At Navoi State University, comprehensive support for student success extends far beyond the classroom. The university’s commitment to professional development, personal growth, and career readiness is implemented through a variety of integrated services and initiatives designed to guide students throughout their academic journey and into the labor market. This initiative is equally available for men and women.
A key component of this system is the Career Center, which plays a central role in preparing students for future employment. Led by a qualified professional with strong technological competence, the center informs students about current labor market demands, assists in aligning their qualifications with employer expectations, and maintains active cooperation with local and national companies. It also manages contracts with employers, monitors employment statistics, posts graduate profiles on the university website, and reports graduate outcomes to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovations.
Navoi State University actively supports the implementation of the “Kelajakka Qadam” (“Step into the Future”) programme — an intersectoral initiative developed jointly by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation and the National Bank of Uzbekistan.
The programme is designed to empower graduates with practical skills, entrepreneurial mindsets, and access to resources that support meaningful employment or business creation. It goes beyond conventional job placement services by offering a broad set of tools including:
Direct employer engagement: Students are introduced to potential employers through institutional partnerships with private sector companies, helping them to explore job opportunities aligned with their qualifications.
Startup and innovation support: Aspiring entrepreneurs receive access to preferential loans, expert mentoring, and technical assistance to turn business ideas into reality.
Tailored professional training: Participants undertake industry-relevant, demand-driven courses that enhance employability and meet employer expectations.
International experience: Top-performing students are offered opportunities for short-term international training and exposure at leading foreign universities.
One recent example of this support in action is the case of a Navoi State University graduate who successfully received a 50 million UZS preferential loan to launch a business idea under this programme. Such outcomes underscore the university’s commitment to providing not only academic qualifications but also real pathways to self-reliance and economic participation for its graduates.
Ultimately, the “Step into the Future” programme reflects the university’s strategic vision to contribute to national development by reducing youth unemployment, fostering innovation, and promoting entrepreneurship among graduates.
As part of its broader innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, Navoi State University collaborates closely with the Youth Technopark of Navoi Region, operating under the Innovative Development Agency of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. A notable initiative under this collaboration is the “InnoX” business incubator programme, recently launched to support innovation-driven students and young entrepreneurs.
The programme is designed to assist participants at various stages of project development — from ideation to market readiness. It offers a range of practical, hands-on services, including:
One-on-one and group mentorship, as well as ongoing tracker support;
Access to free workshops and training sessions focused on startup development, business modeling, and market strategies;
Support in transforming ideas into viable projects, and help in launching MVPs (minimum viable products);
Guidance on bringing products or services to real markets through strategic planning and prototyping assistance.
Through this initiative, innovative young people affiliated with the university are empowered to gain not only technical and business knowledge, but also the confidence and infrastructure to launch successful ventures. “InnoX” plays an important role in building an entrepreneurial culture within the student body and creating sustainable pathways for youth-led innovation and economic growth.
Navoi State University also supports youth involvement in research and development through events such as the Youth Academy Forum, which is designed to strengthen the connection between education, science, and industry. The forum engages students in discussions about start-up initiatives, scientific research, and innovative practices, featuring participation from university leadership and industry partners.
Another initiative at NSU that supports professional and entrepreneurial development of students is the “Talabaga Imkoniyat” startup ideas competition, jointly organized with the university’s Incubation and Acceleration Center. This event is designed to nurture student creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving by encouraging participation in five key areas: youth leadership, social projects, university innovation, high-impact startups, and virtual museum development. Participants receive targeted coaching and mentoring while developing prototypes, digital content, and innovative solutions aligned with institutional and community needs. The initiative also includes financial incentives and discounted access to IT courses, further strengthening students’ career readiness and entrepreneurial mindset.
Beyond career and innovation-focused services, the university implements the national “Five Important Initiatives” program. This initiative promotes personal development in five key areas: culture and art, reading, sports, digital skills, and women’s empowerment. The university’s dedicated center organizes competitions, events, and student-led projects aligned with these themes, enriching the social and emotional experience of campus life.
Further support for women for graduation and employment
Comprehensive Support for Female Students’ Education and Success at Navoi State University
Navoi State University (NSU) ensures that its female students study successfully, develop professionally, and graduate with excellence.
Through a combination of state programs, university initiatives, and community partnerships, the university provides academic, economic, and social support systems that empower women to reach their full potential.
1. Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiatives
In alignment with the national decree on youth and women’s entrepreneurship, Aloqabank serves as a key partner institution providing financial support for innovative and women-led projects.
A total of 200 million USD has been allocated nationally to support young entrepreneurs.
The bank provides preferential microloans up to 100 million UZS for a period of seven years to self-employed youth;
Entrepreneurs who employ at least 20 people and open educational centers can access soft loans up to 5 billion UZS for seven years.
Importantly, at least 30% of all bank loans are directed specifically to women-led businesses, guaranteeing that female entrepreneurs receive direct financial support to develop their enterprises.
To complement this initiative, Youth Business Incubators are being established across all regions, including Navoi, to help young women turn creative ideas into functioning startups. These incubators offer 6-month to 3-year support programs with mentoring, training, and investment access.
Through the “Aloqa Venture” Fund, women’s startups can receive investments from 50,000 to 1 million USD, giving them opportunities to enter both domestic and international markets.
These programs ensure that female students and graduates of NSU are not only educated but also equipped to launch businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the sustainable economy.
2. Education and Equal Opportunity for Women
Uzbekistan’s government has tripled the number of higher education institutions and raised overall enrollment coverage to 42%.
With state-funded tuition for female students, the number of women in higher education has increased 11-fold, marking an unprecedented milestone for gender equality.
At Navoi State University, this national progress is reflected in the rising number of female students in natural sciences, pedagogy, medicine, and engineering, supported by targeted scholarships and mentoring programs.
As the President of Uzbekistan stated:
“When we educate one girl, we educate an entire family. An educated, enlightened family means an educated and enlightened society.”
Furthermore, over 800 young people have studied abroad at the state’s expense over the past 25 years, and in the last seven years alone, this number has tripled through the El-Yurt Umidi Foundation.
The Youth Affairs Agency now collaborates with the Civil Service Development Agency to track and support students abroad — ensuring that returning female graduates can reintegrate smoothly and build careers in Uzbekistan.
These national reforms strengthen NSU’s own admission and support policies, ensuring that female students receive academic equality, financial access, and post-graduation opportunities.
3. Supporting Female Entrepreneurship and Skills Development
As part of NSU’s ongoing gender equality efforts, 16 female students were recently selected for free business and startup training at the Women’s Entrepreneurship Center of Navoi State University.
The program included:
Practical lessons in business planning and management;
Startup mentorship with local entrepreneurs and faculty experts;
Workshops in digital skills and financial literacy;
Project development coaching to turn student ideas into viable enterprises.
This center helps female students balance study and enterprise, develop leadership skills, and prepare for successful careers after graduation — contributing to the economic empowerment of women in the Navoi region.
4. International Day of Rural Women Celebrated at Navoi State University
On October 15, to mark the International Day of Rural Women, NSU organized a special meeting with active and inspiring female staff and students.
The event recognized the contributions of rural women to education, innovation, and social life, while promoting leadership and entrepreneurship among female students.
Discussions focused on:
Access to education for women in rural areas;
Gender-sensitive teaching and innovation;
This event demonstrated that female students at NSU are encouraged to connect their education with real community development.
5. In cooperation with the Agency for the Development of Public Service, NSU hosted the third stage of short-term professional development courses for district and city specialists working in women’s and family affairs.
During the training, university psychologist and “Wise Women Movement” member Ms. Dilfuza Abduraimova conducted interactive sessions on “Working with Women Affected by Pressure and Violence.”
Participants learned about:
Methods for psychological and social support;
Strategies for mental health care;
Approaches to gender-sensitive communication in community services.
This initiative strengthened both professional capacity and awareness of social protection, helping female students and specialists apply compassionate, evidence-based approaches to women’s welfare.
6. Meanwhile, at the University’s Academic Lyceum, a roundtable discussion on “Educated Girls — the Pillar of New Uzbekistan” brought together students, faculty, and mentors. The session, opened by the University Advisor on Women’s Affairs Ms. G. Tangotarova, featured presentations by Ms. N. Tursunova, who highlighted that “knowledgeable and educated girls form the strong foundation of our country’s future.” Faculty advisors Z. Akhmedova and G. Sultonova also shared reflections on women’s roles in social progress. The event concluded with a friendly chess match between lyceum students and university female students, promoting strategic thinking and intellectual engagement among young women.
7. “Nafosat” Regional Beauty and Creativity Contest
The “Nafosat” Regional Beauty and Creativity Contest showcased the exceptional talent of female students from the Faculty of Art Studies.
Under the supervision of Vice Governor Ms. Malika Mamadiyarova and Women’s Council Chair Ms. N. Tursunova, participants designed national-style outfits reflecting Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage.
Ms. Tursuntosh Ne’matova won first place and advanced to the Republican stage;
Other participants — Sabina Ziyodullayeva, Sadinabonu Mavlonova, Shahinabonu Arslonova, Marjonoy Ergashova, and Ozoda Sayfiyeva — earned top rankings for their artistry and creativity.
This contest highlights how female students at NSU use their studies not only to learn but also to express identity, confidence, and professional skill, all supported by faculty mentors.
8. In honor of International Family Day (May 15), the Faculty of History, together with the Museum of Victims of Political Repression, organized an educational event titled “Strong Families — the Foundation of a Peaceful Society.” Female students exhibited handcrafted art pieces, performed traditional dances and poems, and participated in discussions on the importance of family values and the legal foundations of family stability. The event also featured cultural insights from Ms. N. O‘roqova, a leading specialist at the Navoi Regional Museum of History and Culture, who discussed the traditional kelin salom and lachak ceremonies as symbols of respect and unity in Uzbek culture.
Together, these initiatives create an environment where female students at Navoi State University:
Study in a supportive, inclusive academic community;
Participate in programs that combine education, entrepreneurship, and cultural development;
Receive financial, psychological, and professional support throughout their studies;