An open competition has been announced in Khatlon region to apply for a grant from the head of the region. According to the regional administration, this year the total amount of grants will amount to 500 thousand somoni, which is twice as much as the previous amount, which was 250 thousand somoni.
"Last year, I met with women entrepreneurs, had conversations with them, and also studied the projects that they submitted for a grant. I came to the conclusion that 250 thousand is very little to support them. And we decided to increase this amount to 500 thousand somoni," said the head of the region Davlatali Said.
He added that 500 thousand somoni is also not enough, but in the future, taking into account the improvement of the financial situation of the region, the issue of another increase in this amount will be considered.
And he explained the reason for the increase in the amount of grants by saying that supporting women is the solution to some of the social problems on the ground.
"Women with these insignificant amounts, who receive, say, 20 thousand somoni for their projects, organize several jobs for unemployed local women. They make reasonable use of the grant funds they receive. And this in itself solves social problems. Therefore, we will return to this issue and try to increase the amount of the grant for women," Davlatali Said.
Earlier this month, at a press conference of the Committee on Women and Family Affairs, it was reported that the total amount of presidential grants for women entrepreneurs this year has also been increased to 5 million somoni, which 120 women in business will be able to receive. Previously, the total amount of grants was 2.5 million somoni, and funds were provided to 80 women.
Presidential grants are awarded on a competitive basis to women who submit their projects. The amount of grants ranges from 25 thousand to 60 thousand somoni.
The main purpose of the grants is to create jobs for women and girls, increase the production of handmade products, especially in sewing and craft workshops, as well as improve the economic level of families.
At the press conference, it was noted that currently there are almost 54 thousand women entrepreneurs in the republic.