Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The United Nations Development Programme and Tashkent City Khokimiyat unveiled the mural in the underground passage that serves as a public manifest of recognizing the necessity for safe and accessible streets for all women and girls, including with disabilities. 

The mural comes with extra lighting and video surveillance, and thus conveys the concept of streets that are well-lit, inclusively designed and well-guarded. The mural was created as a collaboration between UNDP and Tashkent City Khokimiyat as part of 16 days campaign against gender-based violence.

On 12 April 2023, a groundbreaking law criminalizing domestic violence and sexual harassment against women and children came into effect in Uzbekistan, demonstrating the nation's commitment to gender equality and protecting women from gender-based violence.

In March 2022, the UNDP launched "Call Umida" Initiative: a movement aimed at fostering safe streets with information support from NeMolchi.uz. Since it was officially launched, “Call Umida” has expanded into a network of over 300 safe locations where individuals, especially women and children, can find temporary shelter when faced with street harassment.

"Call Umida" is a voluntary alliance extending to the private sector based on corporate social responsibility, with numerous companies in Tashkent and beyond, actively joining the initiative. Large supermarket chains, restaurants, pharmacy chains, co-working centers, and academia have partnered to support the cause, demonstrating a collective commitment to creating safer urban environments.

Street harassment, a pervasive issue globally, often impedes the realization of women's rights and the mural that was officially opened today aligns with national and international efforts to combat gender-based violence and represents a call for building a more just, inclusive, and thriving society, leaving no one behind.

As Uzbekistan takes significant steps towards ensuring gender equality, UNDP remains dedicated to supporting the government's efforts in this regard.

The creation of the mural was supported by UN Joint Programme “Transformation of Social Service Delivery: Implementing Human Rights-Based Approach for Children, Youth and Women with Disabilities in Uzbekistan” funded by the UNPRPD Fund and UNDP’s “Strengthening the rule of law and human rights protection in Uzbekistan” project funded by the Government of Finland.