The project’s targeted outcome is improved railway services for freight and passengers in Western Uzbekistan. It consists of two outputs: (i) the upgrading of railway infrastructure along the Bukhara–Miskin–Urgench–Khiva line and (ii) development of tourism corridor Bukhara–Miskin–Urgench–Khiva. The project is expected to expand benefits to women as commuters in terms of more frequent, efficient, and fast train journeys and low-cost tickets. Moreover, women staff of the executing agency will benefit from technical trainings in operation and maintenance and training in tourism promotion and marketing.
The subproject will contribute to and maximize the positive impact of the ensuing project on women. It will build the capacities of women from the communities in the project area, particularly, (i) female students of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and TVET courses to help them meet skills requirements for railway operations and management and (ii) women in communities engaged in the tourism and hospitality industry. The subproject will help enhance the employability of training of female STEM and TVET students in technical positions by providing training on railway technology and management. The trainings will be designed based on the assessment of the curricula and content of STEM courses vis-à-vis the skills requirements of UTY. The modules may also be utilized in the capacity building activities for UTY staff on railway operation and maintenance, as appropriate. The subproject will support women’s participation in the tourism and hospitality industry by providing women from the communities with trainings in tourism and hospitality-related learning programs and accreditation, as needed. Women who are currently working in or operating enterprises in the industry will be given priority for the trainings.
