President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has appointed his youngest daughter, Shahnoza Mirziyoyeva, to oversee the coordination of employment issues for people with disabilities. Fergana News says the announcement came during a video conference on November 19, which reviewed the country’s progress in reducing poverty and improving employment.
According to presidential spokesperson Sherzod Asadov, starting next year, citizens with disabilities and low incomes will no longer be included in the poverty register, and the government will fully take on their support.
One of the key steps in this initiative is the launch of the national program "Equal Opportunities – Inclusive Employment," set to begin in January 2026. The program aims to employ 40,000 people with disabilities. To support the project, interest-free loans of up to 30 million som (about $2,500) will be provided from the Employment Fund.
Additionally, families at high risk of falling back into poverty will continue to receive social assistance and benefits. Over six months, they will continue to receive material support and child benefits. They will also have access to about 110 social services, including payments for childcare, after-school programs, and medical services.
The president also stressed the importance of identifying families at high risk of poverty due to difficult life circumstances and providing them with targeted assistance.
Shahnoza Mirziyoyeva will be in charge of overseeing these efforts, with the involvement of regional governors.
Furthermore, strengthening social protection for vulnerable families is a top priority in Uzbekistan’s state policy for poverty reduction and employment enhancement in 2026.
Shahnoza Mirziyoyeva, 39, holds a Ph.D. in Pedagogical Sciences and has master’s degrees in Law and Global Economics. Since 2017, she has led the Department of Policy and Strategic Development in Early Childhood Education under the Ministry of Preschool Education. Since August 2024, she has served as the First Deputy Director of the National Social Protection Agency under the president. She is also the First Vice President of the National Paralympic Committee of Uzbekistan and a member of the Executive Committee of the International Swimming Federation.
Shahnoza is married to Otabek Umarov and has three daughters. The president’s eldest daughter, Saida Mirziyoyeva, heads the President’s Administration.
