Three UN Volunteers in Uzbekistan are working to strengthen disability inclusion by ensuring that persons with disabilities are represented, heard and respected in everyday decisions.
The initiative focuses on disability-inclusive communication, equal access, representation, inclusive social services, disability rights, awareness raising, assistive support, non-discrimination and stronger participation of persons with disabilities in public life.
Firuza Rasmukhamedova, Shaida Gafurdjanova and Shahodat Yo’ldosheva serve as Disability-Inclusive Communications and Outreach Specialists with the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Uzbekistan. Their work supports efforts to make disability inclusion more practical and visible beyond policy documents.
Since Uzbekistan ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2021, the UN Country Team has supported national efforts to improve disability inclusion. Through a joint programme, the UN has expanded inclusive social services, trained nurses, teachers and service providers, and supported reforms in disability assessment, data systems and budgeting.
Firuza Rasmukhamedova, who was born with a visual disability, supports the production of communication materials that reflect the experiences of persons with disabilities. She also uses social media to highlight barriers in public spaces in Tashkent and promote greater accessibility.
In 2025, Firuza finished second in the 5 km inclusive race at the Samarkand Marathon. She said the race was not about winning but about visibility and showing that inclusion must be put into action.
Shaida Gafurdjanova gradually lost her vision and later gained confidence using a white cane after working with a mobility specialist in Tbilisi. After returning to Tashkent, she joined the NGO Sharoyit Plus, participated in inclusive forums and began training as an athlete.
As a UN Volunteer, Shaida works to share her experience and promote inclusion. She has also joined other UN Volunteers in conducting trainings at universities in Tashkent to help young people understand what inclusion means and how society can become more inclusive and tolerant.
Shahodat Yo’ldosheva, a young woman with albinism, experienced discrimination and bullying during her school years. Despite limited support and accessibility challenges, she completed school and went on to university.
Her personal experience inspired her to help create better opportunities for others, including her siblings who also have albinism. After graduating, she joined the Ish Plus project with Sharoit Plus, which supports people with disabilities in finding jobs.
Today, Shahodat supports the UN team in Uzbekistan by making communications more inclusive and highlighting the barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
Through their work, Firuza, Shaida and Shahodat are not only raising awareness but also challenging perceptions about who gets to speak and who is listened to. Their efforts aim to ensure that inclusion is not treated as optional, but as a matter of access, dignity and equal opportunity.
