OSCE Supports Economic Empowerment of Women in Fergana through IT Skills and Digital Marketing Training

More than 150 women from across the Fergana region successfully completed training courses in IT skills and digital marketing organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan in partnership with IT Park Uzbekistan. The programme equipped participants with practical digital competencies that can help them generate income, develop businesses and access online employment opportunities.

The graduation ceremony, held on 9 June 2026, brought together participants, trainers and local stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of women who invested their time and energy in building skills for the digital economy.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Antti Karttunen, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, congratulated the participants on their achievement and highlighted the importance of investing in women's digital skills.

"Today, we celebrate much more than the completion of a training course. We celebrate the determination, commitment and aspirations of these women to build a better economic future for themselves, their families and their communities," he said.

The programme was designed to expand economic opportunities for women, particularly those living in remote districts and rural communities. Over the course of the training, participants learned the fundamentals of digital marketing, online business promotion, e-commerce tools and essential digital skills that can be applied practically in professional and entrepreneurial activities.

For many participants, the training marked an important turning point.

"Before joining the programme, I was already working on a project focused on cultural and tourism experiences. The training gave me practical tools to strengthen its digital presence, better understand online audiences and create more engaging visual content. Importantly, I am now confident in applying technology creatively and strategically to bring my ideas to life," said Dildora Aliyeva, a participant of the training courses.

These courses are part of an ongoing training initiative implemented across other regions of Uzbekistan that has equipped around 1,000 women with essential IT skills to date. Supporting women's economic empowerment remains a key priority of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan. Through strengthening digital literacy, entrepreneurship and access to modern technologies, the OSCE helps women in acquiring practical skills needed to build resilience in an increasingly digital world.