In our country, the priority is given for further strengthening women’s status in society, raising their economic and political activeness, enhancing their participation in ongoing large-scale reforms. One of the principal objectives of "Enhancement of living standards in Fergana Valley" Programme, jointly implemented by the Government of Uzbekistan, the European Union and United Nations Development Programme, is supporting income generation activities and development of entrepreneurship in rural areas of Andijan, Namangan and Fergana regions, where a special attention is given to women's participation in local development processes.

Sewing is considered as one of the traditional female occupations in Uzbekistan. By mastering the craft, one can create unusual images, help people find their own style. Besides, dressmaking is probably one of those professions that never leave its owner unemployed – there will always be customers, which is very important factor for a stable family income.

Akbaeva Omadhon (who is disabled since childhood), the head of initiative group from "Urta Kishlok" MCC, Izboskan district, Andijan region, shared her views regarding the project implemented with the support of ELS Programme: "Prior to the project, we had limited financial resources. Basically, we used ordinary sewing machines and hand work. Trainings organized within ELS project have been wonderful opportunity for us to expand our knowledge in business management, marketing, accounting as well as product certification and standardization and ISO management system. Sewing equipment supplied by the project for the amount of about 7 million soums allowed us to establish sewing production right in our mahalla. Thus, there were 11 workplaces created (six of them girls with disabilities). The local girls were given an opportunity for stable income. In addition, since I work in Izboskan College of Light Industry on part time basis,  we have organized practical workshops for students of this college, by providing an opportunity for young girls to learn cutting and sewing skills. Also, we periodically do charity activities in mahalla for low-income families.

Our services are highly demanded among local people. Ordering cloth from a local sewer costs less than buying it in the store or at the bazaar.
Support from EU/UNDP ELS project has allowed us to improve the quality of our products significantly." Dedication and hard work of Akbaeva Omadhon is an example of the fact, that the disability is no obstacle on the path to success. Her life motto is “Stand up and go”. She does not only live, but also work, by realizing her natural strength of will and talent, her hardened character, her struggle to express herself as a person.

At the end of our conversation, Akbaeva Omadhon noted that the initiative group will not stop at this stage and they plan to expand the scope and range of products, create additional workplaces, make their own backbreaking contribution to the development of mahalla in the future.