Gender equality is often misinterpreted — Almatov

On February 13, during a press tour at the Tashkent City Internal Affairs Directorate’s Canine Center, Interior Ministry adviser Zokir Almatov spoke about female crime, divorce rates, and youth offenses.

According to the official, nearly 3,000 crimes were committed by women over the past year. In addition, 76,000 divorce-related applications were submitted, with more than 32,000 resulting in court-approved dissolutions of marriage.

The adviser also addressed crime statistics among young people. Last year, 2,798 crimes were committed by youth. Of these, nearly 1,900 were attributed to school students, around 500 to college and technical school students, and more than 500 to university students.

Almatov emphasized that these figures represent more than simple statistics. The breakup of over 32,000 families in one year is a serious social issue affecting thousands of lives and children. In his view, youth upbringing, the family environment, and social balance are closely interconnected.

He also said the concept of gender equality is often misinterpreted, negatively affecting family relations. The adviser defined gender equality as equal rights and opportunities for men and women, emphasizing the need to ensure equal opportunities in employment, education, and governance.

“Today, women are becoming regional governors and ministers — this is a positive development. However, the issue of responsibility and values within the family should not be forgotten. A family is strengthened not by dominance but by mutual respect and balance,” he said.

He added that women’s issues should not be politicized but rather deeply and properly understood. A decline in statistical indicators does not mean the problem has been solved. If family conflicts and divorces are not addressed, social problems may persist.

In this regard, he stressed the importance of systematic work with families at the community level and strengthening preventive measures to reduce divorces and offenses.