Increased government initiatives in Uzbekistan aimed at expanding access to preschool care result in a rise in female workforce participation rate.
Revised Article:
Women's employment in Uzbekistan has experienced some striking changes, particularly with regards to childcare and education, as revealed in a recent World Bank study.
Leveraging the Uzbek government's program to broaden early childhood education, more women have managed to join the workforce. However, a survey indicated that financial factors were the primary driving force for these women to work — beyond a mere desire for career-building.
The study, titled Working for Yourself or for Your Kids? Childcare Expansion Policy in Uzbekistan, paints a revealing picture. While a majority of Uzbek households host at least two working-age women, extended family members often carry out the day-to-day childcare duties. Still, three-quarters of these households were devoid of working women, the study stated.
Launched in 2018, the government-led initiative aimed at widening access to preschool care successfully lifted the percentage of children aged 3-7 in daycare centers from a meager 25% (one of the lowest rates globally at the start) to a robust 63% by 2022. Consequently, female labor force participation witnessed a 12% increase — a "striking result" in a nation where female employment has been historically limited, the authors described.
This policy impacts not just mothers but all working-age women in the household, who are now sharing caregiving responsibilities more equitably. As the authors elucidate, "This shift isn’t just about mothers-it’s creating opportunities for all working-age women." However, the Uzbek labor market remains unforgiving, making it challenging for women seeking employment to secure jobs despite the influx into the workforce.
Interestingly, the study found that not only does access to childcare free up women's time for work, but it also fosters a broader perception of early education as an investment in children's futures. As a result, families are more compelled to sacrifice income for childcare costs, with many Uzbek women channeling their earnings toward daycare expenses.
The findings suggest that the decision to work for these women is twofold — reconciling work and childcare duties and ensuring their children can thrive educationally. As the authors assert, "The impact on women's employment is strongest among families that place a high value on education."
Enrichment Data Integration:
- The expansion of preschools claims credit for a visible spike in female labor force participation, attributable not only to a break in the traditional childcare model but also to the perceived value of education as a future investment.
- As a result of these efforts, the Uzbek government has tripled the number of kindergartens since 2017, drastically increasing children's enrollment and providing opportunities for women to enter the workforce, addressing both economic and social barriers.
- The study also indicates that the expanded access to preschools has led to a growing trend in Uzbek households, where families are increasingly willing to divert their financial resources towards investing in their children's education-and-self-development.
- Furthermore, the increased presence of women in the workforce has a ripple effect on various sectors, as personal finances are redirected towards areas like women's health, science, and general-news subscriptions, potentially increasing awareness and engagement of women in these fields.
- As of 2022, the implementation of the Uzbek government's initiative has influenced the political landscape to a degree, given the higher number of working women, potentially more inclined to voice their concerns and opinions on relevant matters impacting their lives, such as health-and-wellness policies and education reforms.
- Overall, the policy aimed at broadening access to preschool care has had a profound impact on Uzbek women, simultaneously empowering them in their careers while fostering a balanced perspective towards childcare, education, and overall life choices—ultimately shaping a new narrative regarding women's roles in society.
