Women’s Leadership and Scientific Development at Navoi State University
Navoi State University is firmly committed to promoting women’s leadership, scientific advancement, and active participation in education, research, and innovation. The university recognizes that empowering women in academia and science is essential for achieving social progress and sustainable development.
Our main goals are:
-Expand women’s participation in academic and administrative decision-making;
-Support female researchers and doctoral students in achieving scientific success;
-Inspire young women to pursue careers in science, technology, and education;
-Integrate gender equality principles across all areas of university policy and practice.
1. InnoWeek–2025 International Innovation Ideas Week
Within the framework of promoting gender equality and supporting the active participation of women in science, education, and innovation, Navoi State University took part in the InnoWeek–2025 International Innovation Ideas Week held under the motto “Chegarasiz g‘oyalar” (Ideas Without Borders). The event brought together national and international experts, scientists, innovators, and policymakers. Notably, women leaders such as X. Umarova, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration for Education Reform, and Z. Maxkamova, Chairwoman of the Committee on Family and Women, delivered speeches emphasizing the crucial role of women in advancing education, innovation, and sustainable development. The participation of Navoi State University’s delegation in this large-scale event demonstrates the university’s ongoing commitment to empowering women and creating equal opportunities in academic and scientific innovation spheres.
2. INNOWOMENWEEK-2025
As part of its ongoing commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women in science, Navoi State University organized a special meeting within the framework of “INNOWOMENWEEK-2025,” the Innovation Week for Women Inventors, held under the slogan “Bilimga ega bo‘lib, nurli kelajagimizni yarataylik!” (“Let’s gain knowledge and create a bright future!”). The event brought together a group of female scientists from the university and first-year female students for an inspiring exchange of experience and ideas. Participants shared their scientific achievements, inventions, and research innovations, discussing the challenges and opportunities for women in academia. Like other projects held during “INNOWOMENWEEK-2025,” the roundtable aimed to encourage young women to engage in scientific research, providing them with guidance and motivation to pursue careers in science and technology. Such initiatives reflect the university’s dedication to creating an inclusive academic environment where women’s contributions to innovation and development are fully supported and recognized.
3. Empowering Women in Science: The Example of Oysha O‘rinova
Navoi State University continuously supports talented young women by creating favorable academic, social, and professional conditions that promote gender equality and excellence in education and research.
One remarkable example is Oysha O‘rinova, a 4th-year student at the Faculty of Exact Sciences, who has achieved significant success in both her academic and scientific activities. She is a recipient of the Alisher Navoi State Scholarship, awarded to the most outstanding students in Uzbekistan.
Oysha has also won several prestigious national competitions, including the “Mirzo Ulug‘bek Vorislari” Republican Contest and the “Student of the Year – 2024” competition, where she was recognized in the category of “The Most Knowledgeable Student.”
To date, she has authored around 50 scientific articles and theses, as well as more than 5 methodological manuals. For her dedication and academic achievements, she has been awarded honorary badges such as “Intellectual Explorer,” “Hope of the Future,” “Devoted to Profession,” and “Pride of Science.”
Oysha O‘rinova is also an active member of the Youth Academy of Uzbekistan, where she continues her research under the supervision of Associate Professor Dilnavoz Kamalova.
Her success story exemplifies the university’s continuous commitment to supporting talented female students, promoting women’s participation in science and innovation, and creating equal opportunities for academic growth.
4. Empowering Young Women in Environmental Leadership: Launch of Uzbekistan’s Eco-Volunteer Student Movement
A new national initiative — the Uzbekistan Eco-Volunteer Student Movement — has been launched under the Presidential Decree PQ–184 (May 15, 2025) titled “On the Approval of the Concept for Enhancing Environmental Awareness among the Population until 2030.”
This initiative aims to strengthen environmental culture and promote active participation of young people, especially women, in ecological and climate-related actions.
Key Goals by 2030:
To improve environmental education and awareness among 4.2 million general education students;
To enhance environmental culture among 400,000 vocational education students;
To integrate environmental values and sustainable lifestyle principles into the national education system.
Women’s Role in the Eco-Volunteer Movement:
From the 2025–2026 academic year, university students across Uzbekistan — particularly female students and young researchers — will take a leading role in the newly established “Uzbekistan Eco-Volunteer Student Movement.”
This movement aims to empower women in higher education by involving them in environmental protection, community outreach, and scientific initiatives that address climate change and sustainability.
Special attention will be given to:
Encouraging women’s participation in green innovation projects and startup initiatives;
Increasing the representation of women in environmental research and policy-making;
Promoting gender equality through ecological education and volunteer activities.
New Recognition Programs:
Annual competitions will recognize outstanding young leaders through nominations such as:
“Eco Knowledge Ambassador,” “Promoter of Environmental Culture,” “Most Active Eco-Volunteer,” and “Environmental Defender of the Year.”
In addition, every year on June 5 – World Environment Day, an International Scientific and Practical Forum will be held for students to discuss urgent environmental challenges and share innovative solutions.
Academic Opportunities for Women:
The Decree also provides additional doctoral research quotas for women in ecology, and the number of postgraduate research placements in this field will increase by 30 percent.
These measures reflect Uzbekistan’s growing commitment to gender equality, sustainable development, and women’s leadership in science and environmental protection.
5. Supporting Female Entrepreneurship and Skills Development
As part of ongoing gender equality initiatives, 16 female students have been selected to receive free training at the Women’s Entrepreneurship Center of Navoi State University. This program provides practical business education, startup mentorship, and project management training designed to help young women develop their own enterprises and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
6. Promoting Women’s Leadership and Gender Awareness at Navoi State University
Navoi State University actively promotes women’s leadership, social participation, and gender equality through targeted programs and collaborative initiatives.
The University’s Women’s Council organized a special event titled “Meeting with Female Leaders,” which brought together outstanding and active female students. During the session, participants discussed the establishment of a Women Leaders Club, its objectives, and upcoming activities. Talented students presented new creative and research projects, while artistic performances by female students showcased their innovation and confidence.
As part of the meeting, nominations were announced for the position of Club Leader, fostering democratic participation and leadership development among young women. The event was attended by Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation Dr. D. Narzikulova and Chairperson of the Women’s Council Ms. N. Tursunova, who both emphasized the importance of nurturing educated, ambitious, and socially active women as future leaders of society.
7. In addition, a roundtable discussion was held at the Navoi Machine-Building Plant to explain the content and goals of the State Program for the Implementation of the “Uzbekistan – 2030” Strategy within the framework of the “Year of Supporting Youth and Business.” The session focused on supporting women employees, promoting gender equality, and strengthening the role of mothers in family and community development. Participants included Ms. A. Bobomurodova, Head of the Navoi Regional “Wise Women Movement”, representatives of the plant’s Women’s Council, and students from the Faculty of History at NSU.
8. Moreover, the Chair of the NSU Women’s Council, Ms. Nasiba Tursunova, and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Ms. Hilola Rahmatova, took part in a Republican Seminar on “Enhancing Women’s Socio-Political Activity, Gender Equality, and Gender Culture,” held at Bukhara State University. The seminar gathered Women’s Council leaders from higher education institutions across Uzbekistan to share experiences and best practices for advancing gender-sensitive policies and strengthening women’s representation in academia.
9. Women’s Leadership and Scientific Development at Navoi State University
Educational Dialogue: “Educated and Knowledgeable Women — Nurturers of the Next Generation”
On October 22, 2025, the Faculty of Preschool and Primary Education at Navoi State University organized a roundtable discussion titled “Ma’rifatli, ilmli xotin-qizlar — ertangi avlod tarbiyachisidir” (“Educated and Knowledgeable Women — Nurturers of the Next Generation”).
The event featured Ms. Marjona Jo‘rayeva, doctoral student at the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan and representative of the Navoi Regional Committee on Religious Affairs, who met with female students to discuss the importance of education, moral awareness, and intellectual growth in shaping the next generation.
Participants included:
Associate Professor G.D. Shamsiddinova, Dean of the Faculty of Preschool and Primary Education;
Professor Sh.N. Nosirova, Rector’s Advisor on Women’s Affairs;
Ms. Sh.N. Xaydarova, Faculty Advisor on Women’s Issues;
Faculty tutors and active female students.
Key Themes and Outcomes
During the dialogue, speakers emphasized the crucial role of educated women in national development and warned students about modern social threats, such as online misinformation, extremism, and radical ideologies.
They encouraged participants to:
Strengthen critical thinking and digital literacy;
Promote peace, tolerance, and civic responsibility;
Lead by example as future educators and mentors of the younger generation.
The discussion helped young women understand how scientific knowledge, ethical awareness, and civic consciousness form the foundation of professional success and social stability.
10. Informational Session for 3rd-Year Preschool Education Students
On September 11, 2025, the Faculty of Preschool and Primary Education at Navoi State University (NavDU) conducted an informational and advisory roundtable for 3rd-year students of the Preschool Education program.
The meeting was organized by the faculty’s assigned tutors, who provided detailed explanations on social support mechanisms and ethical conduct in higher education.
Key Focus Areas
During the discussion, tutors shared essential information on the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 585, dated September 17, 2021,
“On measures to provide financial assistance to female students from socially vulnerable families, orphans, and those deprived of parental care for obtaining higher education.”
The tutors thoroughly explained:
The eligibility and procedures for receiving state financial support for female students in need;
The importance of awareness about government-provided educational benefits for women;
11. Innovative Approaches in Women’s Leadership: Achievements and Future Goals
A spiritual and educational event titled “Xotin-qizlar faoliyatida innovatsion yondashuv: yutuqlar va istiqboldagi rejalar” (“Innovative Approaches in Women’s Activities: Achievements and Future Plans”) was held at Navoi State Pedagogical Institute (now Navoi State University).
12. Promoting Women and Girls in Science: “Men olima bo‘lmoqchiman” Challenge
On February 11, in celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Navoi State University organized an inspiring scientific and educational campaign titled “Men olima bo‘lmoqchiman” (“I Want to Become a Scientist”).
The event was aimed at motivating young women to engage in science, technology, and research, and to recognize the vital role of women scientists in shaping Uzbekistan’s scientific future.
13. Success in the “Islohotlar Bilimdoni” Scientific-Educational Contest
Female representatives of Navoi State University achieved outstanding results in the Republican scientific and educational contest “Islohotlar Bilimdoni” (“Reforms Expert”), which highlights the most active reformers and innovators in education, science, and women’s leadership.
In the category “Eng faol xotin-qizlar maslahat kengashi raisi” (Most Active Chairperson of the Women’s Advisory Council),
Professor Dilnavoz Ixtiyorovna Kamalova, Doctor of Technical Sciences (DSc), and Dean’s Advisor on Women’s Affairs at the Faculty of Physics and Technology, was awarded 2nd place nationwide.
In the category “Eng faol islohotlar targ‘ibotchisi” (Most Active Reforms Promoter),
Gulhayo Azamatovna Ravshanova, a 2nd-year master’s student in Information Technology in Education, proudly won 1st place across the Republic of Uzbekistan.
These achievements were recognized by the University’s Women’s Advisory Council, which extended heartfelt congratulations to both winners.
14. Promoting Women’s Leadership in Academia and Public Life
Example of Female Leadership: Dr. Aziza Marksovna Aminova
As part of its mission to foster women’s leadership in science, education, and society, Navoi State University (formerly Navoi State Pedagogical Institute) proudly highlights the achievements of Dr. Aziza Marksovna Aminova, an outstanding academic and social leader.
Born in 1972 in Karmana District, Navoi Region, Dr. Aminova is a Doctor of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, and a long-serving faculty member and head of the Department of History at Navoi State University.
She completed higher education at:
Navoi State Pedagogical Institute (1997), majoring in History, Human and Society Studies;
Navoi State Mining Institute (2001), specializing in Management.
Dr. Aminova began her professional career as an economic engineer at the Navoi Construction Trust in 1996, later serving as Head of Department at the Navoi Regional Department for State Property Management and Entrepreneurship Support (1999–2000).
From 2000 to 2022, she worked as a lecturer, researcher, and department head at the Navoi State Pedagogical Institute, where she made significant contributions to the development of social sciences and teacher education.
Since 2022, she has continued her leadership as Head of the Department of History.
A member of the UzLiDeP (Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan), Dr. Aminova was nominated as a candidate for the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (Parliament of Uzbekistan) from the 19th Navoi electoral district, demonstrating the high level of trust placed in women academics as national decision-makers.
15. Republican Scientific-Practical Conference: “The Role of Women in the Sustainable Development of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Society”
