The Women, Business and the Law (WBL) Index, developed by the World Bank, is an international indicator designed to assess laws regulating women’s economic participation, rights, and opportunities. This index measures the level of women’s legal rights in areas such as economic environment, labor market, entrepreneurship, property rights, safety, and social protection.
In 2024, the WBL methodology was updated to version 2.0, introducing new categories such as Safety and Childcare. These changes have made the global evaluation of gender equality even more comprehensive.
Uzbekistan’s Position in the WBL 2024 Ranking
In the updated 2024 WBL ranking, Uzbekistan scored 82.5 points and was recognized among the “top reformer countries.” These results are directly relevant for the education sector, especially for the University of Digital Economy and Agro-Technologies (UDEA).
Labor Legislation Reforms
Strengthening equality in marriage and property rights
Adoption of political and legal measures aimed at promoting gender equality
WBL 2024: Strengths and Weaknesses (Uzbekistan)
Indicator
Score (0–100)
Description
Relevance to the Education Sector
Mobility
100
Equal rights for obtaining passports, changing residence, and free movement
Expands opportunities for student and faculty mobility and international academic exchanges
Pay
100
Equal pay for equal work guaranteed by law
Ensures pay equality for women in universities, boosting motivation in academic activities
Marriage
100
Equality in marriage, divorce, and property rights
Ensures personal stability for students and staff
Entrepreneurship
100
Full rights for women to start businesses, access credit, and sign contracts
Supports entrepreneurial initiatives and startup projects within universities
Assets
100
Equality in ownership, inheritance, and property use rights
Ensures equal access to financial resources for educational and scientific projects
Safety
25
Laws exist, but protection mechanisms are insufficient
Highlights the need for preventive and protective measures on campus
Childcare
40
Insufficient childcare infrastructure
Indicates the need for daycare centers and flexible learning for students and staff with children
Workplace
50
Issues related to discrimination and hazardous work remain
Requires reducing gender discrimination within academic institutions
Parenthood
60
Parental leave policies need development
Calls for flexible work and study schedules for student-parents
Pension
50
Some imbalances in the pension system for women
Emphasizes the need for long-term social guarantees for academic staff
WBL 2.0: Uzbekistan’s Results (2024)
Category
Score (0–100)
Description
Relevance to the Education Sector
Legal frameworks
75
Legal guarantees for gender equality
Ensures rights protection within universities
Supportive frameworks
55.8
State policies and infrastructure supporting women
Highlights the need for supportive programs for students and staff
Enforcement perceptions
53.8
Expert assessment of how laws work in practice
Indicates the need for better implementation and monitoring of gender equality in education
Major Reforms Implemented in Uzbekistan (2022–2024)
New Labor Code (2022): strengthened equal pay principle and removed occupational restrictions for women
Legislation Against Domestic Violence (2023): tougher penalties and introduction of protection orders
Support for Entrepreneurship: new government programs supporting women-led businesses
Conclusion
In 2024, Uzbekistan demonstrated significant progress in the WBL index, particularly in entrepreneurship, property rights, and labor equality. However, the education sector still needs to prioritize:
Ensuring safety for students and staff (Safety)
Developing childcare and early education infrastructure (Childcare)
Implementing gender equality in practice within academic institutions (Workplace and Parenthood)
Improving long-term social guarantees and pension systems (Pension)
Strengthening gender equality policies in the education sector and universities will not only support women’s academic and professional development but also contribute directly to the country’s socio-economic progress.
