The forum events are underway in Bukhara, Uzbekistan.
Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko sent a welcoming message to the participants in the 2nd Asian Women’s Forum. This year, the event’s central theme is Investing in Women is the Foundation of Sustainable Growth: Expanding Political, Economic, Social, and Environmental Opportunities for Women.
The address was delivered by Federation Council Deputy Speaker Inna Svyatenko at the forum’s opening ceremony.
In her message, Federation Council Speaker noted that hosting this major international event demonstrates Uzbekistan’s considerable role in boosting international and interparliamentary cooperation. Valentina Matvienko expressed special appreciation to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who initiated the prestigious forum, as well as to its organisers, primarily the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan.
“The 2026 forum once again proved to be an effective platform for constructive dialogue, the exchange of experience, and the coordination of practical measures at both global and regional levels aimed to expand women’s political, economic, and social opportunities. Such approach will definitely contribute to strengthening women’s status in society, promoting the adoption of new technologies, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and ensuring environmental safety,” Valentina Matvienko noted in her welcoming remarks, adding that Russian senators support the forum’s goals and highly value the work carried out by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan and its Chairperson, Tanzila Narbayeva.
“In Russia, the women’s agenda has traditionally received a lot of attention. At the state level, favourable conditions are consistently created for women to achieve their potential, balance family and professional responsibilities, and increase their civic and economic engagement,” Valentina Matvienko emphasised in her welcoming address.
During a session, Current Issues of Expanding Women’s Involvement in State and Public Administration and Political Decision-Making, Inna Svyatenko discussed the implementation of Russia’s National Action Strategy for Women through 2030. The initiative aims to enhance women’s participation in the country’s economic, political, and social life.
“Women play a major role in Russian politics and public administration. They make up 70 percent of civil servants in Russia and over 78 percent of municipal service employees,” she noted.
Inna Svyatenko highlighted Russia’s extensive efforts to support female entrepreneurship and expand opportunities for women in business, mentioning the substantial economic and social impact of women-led enterprises. She stated that women account for 41.7 percent of small and medium-sized businesses in Russia.
“We are witnessing steady growth in female entrepreneurship. Last year, 5.9 million women owned businesses, while this year their number has increased and amounted to 6.2 million. Women are also increasingly entering high-tech and import-substitution industries, creating clothing brands and cosmetics companies,” she said.
Inna Svyatenko also addressed the issue of balancing career development with family responsibilities. “Russia has developed an extensive support system for families with children. Modernisation and automation are opening new opportunities for women in the labour market. The list of professions previously prohibited for women has been reduced fourfold. As a result, for the first time in history, a Russian woman has become the captain of a nuclear icebreaker,” she said.
The Deputy Speaker emphasised Uzbekistan’s active involvement in the Eurasian Women’s Forum, held under the auspices of the Russian Federation Council. “The forum has contributed to the advancement of international women’s associations, such as the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, the Eurasian Association of Women Regional Leaders, the International Club of Winners and Participants in the APEC BEST Award, and the International Council of Women in Technology and Industry. The coordination mechanism of the Eurasian Women's Forum and the Women20 is working successfully,” Inna Svyatenko said.
She paid particular attention to discussing access to quality education, mentioning the Woman Leader educational programme implemented by the permanent Council of the Eurasian Women’s Forum under the Federation Council. “Over the past five years, 1,600 women from 42 countries have completed the programme and have gone on to develop and execute more than 230 social projects at regional, federal, and international levels,” she emphasised.
“Russia-Uzbekistan relations are based on a comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance. Our political, trade, and economic ties set the bar high and are largely supported by the sustained and trusting dialogue between our national leaders, while interparliamentary cooperation plays an essential role in strengthening these relations,” she said.
Inna Svyatenko also thanked Uzbekistan for supporting Federation Council initiatives, including the Memory Train patriotic campaign.
“The Asian Women’s Forum is yet another major international platform for building mutually beneficial and equal cooperation among women and women’s organisations across Asia,” Inna Svyatenko concluded.
Participants in the session discussed legal frameworks, national and regional strategies, as well as government programs aimed at increasing women’s involvement in political and public life. Special focus was placed on expanding women’s representation in parliaments, government institutions, and civil service, as well as enhancing effective cooperation with political institutions.