Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Inequality: Insights from the EQUAL Study

Gender-based violence and inequality remain critical issues in Uzbekistan, as revealed by the comprehensive EQUAL Study on Gender Equality. Conducted across Fergana, Kashkadarya, Namangan, and Tashkent, this study provides an understanding of public perceptions, societal attitudes, and experiences related to gender-based violence and inequality.

Highlighting the EQUAL Study

The EQUAL Study had clear goals:

  • Raise awareness of the pressing issues of gender-based violence and inequality.
  • Analyze societal norms and attitudes, particularly toward verbal and physical abuse in marriages, gender roles, and gender equality.
  • Provide actionable insights for communities, NGOs, and policymakers to address these challenges effectively.

Through its detailed analysis, the study paints a vivid picture of societal attitudes and highlights the urgent need for systemic change.

Key Findings from the Study

The study uncovered several concerning trends:

Verbal and Physical Abuse in Marriages

  • Two out of three respondents reject verbal abuse, yet 1 in 10 believe it’s a husband’s right, with 50% of those aged 55+ justifying verbal violence in some cases.
  • While four out of five respondents reject physical harm, 1 in 4 men justify it sometimes, reflecting persistent harmful attitudes.

Gender Equality Perceptions

  • Two out of three women and four out of five men disagree that gender equality has been achieved in Uzbekistan, signaling widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of gender roles.

Awareness of Laws

  • Only half of women and 40% of men are aware of legal protections addressing violence against women. A lack of awareness hinders progress and underscores the importance of public education campaigns.

Cultural Norms and Patriarchy

  • 67% of men believe a woman’s primary role is to care for the home, and 55% agree there are times a woman “deserves” to be beaten. Such findings highlight the ongoing need to challenge patriarchal narratives.

Social Media Campaign: Bringing the Findings to Light

Some of the study’s most striking results were showcased during the social media campaign. Posts focusing on issues like verbal and physical abuse, perceptions of gender equality, and awareness of violence against women’s laws were published to foster discussion and raise awareness. These posts can be found on Project EQUAL’s official Instagram page here, offering a snapshot of the study’s impactful findings. Additionally, the Instagram page provides further resources and actionable insights for dealing with gender-based violence.

It is essential to note that these posts represent only a fraction of the study’s wealth of information. For those seeking to understand the full picture, the complete study is a must-read.

Join the Movement

The insights from the EQUAL Study serve as a call to action. Let’s continue the conversation, challenge harmful societal norms, and advocate for systemic change. Together, we can amplify these findings to create a future rooted in equality, safety, and respect for all.

Let’s break the silence, take action, and make a difference—one step at a time.