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Uzbek women start driving buses - 20th March 2024

There's a new law in Uzbekistan. Some women are really happy about it. Before, women couldn't drive buses or trucks. Now, they can.

Saodat Shermatova is pleased. Her family is too. She took a course immediately.

Saodat Shermatova: "When I heard that the ban on driving buses and trucks for women had been lifted, I cried with joy. My family, children and especially my husband were very happy. My daughter was the happiest and she said, 'You will be one of the first women in Uzbekistan to drive a bus'."

Now, Shermatova drives the 51 bus. She works in the capital, Tashkent.

Uzbekistan has 35 million people. It's a Muslim country. In 1991, Uzbekistan left the Soviet Union. It became an independent country. After 1991, women were less free. But in the last few years, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev changed things.

With time, women are getting more chances. In Uzbekistan, women can become politicians now.

Nargiza Gadoyeva was a driving teacher. Now, she's excited to be a bus driver. She wants young women to see her. She's an example for them.

Nargiza Gadoyeva: "I'm very happy about this government decision. Men haven't said anything to me yet. Even if they said something, I wouldn't pay attention. I think my example will inspire other women, and in the future, women will also drive trams and trolleybuses. That's why I decided to get behind the wheel."

Only two of Tashkent's bus drivers are women. But opinions are changing. Both men and women think in a different way from before.

Saodat Shermatova: "At first, many passengers looked at me in shock. Men asked questions like, "Isn't this difficult for you?" Others looked silently with disapproval. But I don't care. The main thing is that I'm being trained and in the future, I'll drive this vehicle all on my own. Most of the men and women looked at me positively and wished me luck."