Supporting Rural Women’s Entrepreneurship in Uzbekistan

The Second Rural Enterprise Development Project, funded by the World Bank, was established to foster economic and social growth in Uzbekistan’s rural areas, with a particular focus on women’s entrepreneurship. Despite progress achieved in recent years, many women living in rural districts remain economically vulnerable and lack the skills and resources needed to start their own businesses. Through this project, the Government of Uzbekistan aims to close these gaps and provide concrete tools to encourage women’s economic independence.

More details

Lattanzio KIBS supports the project in Division 3, which includes the districts of Bandikhon and Kyziriq (Surkhandarya), Dehkanabad, Mirishkor, Shahrisabz, and Qamashi (Kashkadarya), as well as Koshrabot, Akdarya, and Kattakorgan (Samarkand). The initiative involves establishing and training Women Livelihood Groups (WLGs) within local communities (mahallas) to stimulate new entrepreneurial ventures. Participants receive training, assistance in developing business plans, and support in accessing matching grants, followed by post-funding mentorship programs.

The project aims to create 250 WLGs, launch at least 600 individual and 50 collective enterprises, organize 40 training sessions, and engage 75 trained Social Mobilizers. Lattanzio KIBS provides strategic support for the technical and organizational design, ensures the quality of deliverables, and coordinates the preparation of proposals, while Encompass manages field implementation and community coordination.

Project Impact

The project makes a tangible contribution to the economic empowerment of rural Uzbek women, promoting their autonomy and the creation of sustainable income opportunities. The establishment of new groups and enterprises strengthens the local economic fabric, improves family living standards, and encourages greater female participation in productive life.

This is a strategic project for Lattanzio KIBS, consolidating its presence and reaffirming its commitment to promoting gender equality as a cross-cutting pillar of international cooperation policies, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.