Expanding access to preschool education has emerged as a key factor in increasing women’s employment in Uzbekistan, according to a recent study by World Bank economists Chiyu Niu and Avralt-Od Purevjav, along with Central European University researcher Dilnovaz Abdurazzokova.
Covering the years 2018 to 2022, the study examines how public investment in early childhood education has influenced female labor force participation. In regions with the most substantial growth in preschool availability, women’s employment rose by 12%, equivalent to a 3.3 percentage point increase.
From Reform to Results
In 2017, less than 30% of Uzbek children aged 3 to 7 were enrolled in preschool, one of the lowest rates globally. In response, the government launched sweeping reforms: within four years, the number of kindergartens tripled, significantly expanding access in both urban and rural areas.
The researchers analyzed data from the “Listening to the Citizens of Uzbekistan” survey, which samples approximately 1,500 households monthly, alongside official labor market and education statistics.
Not Just Childcare, But an Investment
In many Uzbek households, childcare is traditionally provided by extended family members such as grandmothers, aunts, and older siblings. However, the study found that access to formal preschool services offers a more sustainable and consistent impact on women’s employment.
One striking finding was a cultural shift in how kindergartens are perceived: once seen primarily as childcare, they are now increasingly viewed as investments in a child’s development. Despite preschool costs ranging from 25% to 200% of a woman’s monthly income, many families are willing to pay, recognizing the long-term value.
“The expansion of kindergartens motivates families to work, it’s not just about time, but about purpose,” the researchers noted. Many women return to work not only because they have more time, but also to help cover the cost of preschool.
A Multigenerational Effect
The study also observed a broader labor market ripple effect: once children are enrolled in preschool, not only mothers but also grandmothers and aunts often seek employment. This illustrates a critical dynamic, when childcare responsibilities are shared more evenly, the overall economic participation of women increases.
Yet, access to preschool alone cannot close all gender gaps. In 2021, Uzbekistan’s gender gap in labor force participation stood at 28 percentage points. Youth unemployment among women was 15.5%, compared to 10% for men, and 42% of young women (ages 15-24) were not in employment, education, or training (NEET), compared to just 8.8% of young men.
Women also earned 34% less than men on average, well above the global average gender wage gap of 20%.
These figures highlight that while childcare reform is foundational, it must be accompanied by broader efforts to create meaningful employment opportunities for women.
A Model for Conservative Societies
Uzbekistan’s experience offers valuable lessons for other nations with strong family traditions. It demonstrates that investing in childcare infrastructure can lead to measurable improvements in economic participation, even in traditionally conservative societies.
As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, this topic was also discussed at the IV International Legal Forum “Tashkent Law Spring,” held on May 30. The Forum explored practical strategies to support women in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as law, energy, and public service, underscoring the need for policy reform backed by both government and business to create real opportunities for women.
