Psychological mechanisms for enhancing women's social engagement in the context of new Uzbekistan reforms
Abstract:
Purpose: This study aims to analyze the psychological mechanisms that enhance women’s social engagement within the framework of the New Uzbekistan reforms. It particularly focuses on factors such as self-efficacy, emotional regulation, recognition, leadership, and social support, which empower women to actively participate in social, economic, and political life.
Research Methodology: The research adopts a qualitative-descriptive approach by synthesizing policy reviews, theoretical perspectives, and relevant empirical studies on women’s empowerment and civic participation in Uzbekistan. Data were collected from scholarly publications, governmental reports, and reform policy documents, followed by thematic analysis to identify core psychological and institutional factors.
Results: The findings reveal that institutional reforms in Uzbekistan have created favorable conditions for gender equality and civic involvement. Within this context, psychological mechanisms such as self-efficacy, resilience, and leadership capacity help women strengthen motivation, regulate emotions, and sustain active participation. The interaction between supportive institutions and psychological resources significantly contributes to enhancing women’s adaptability and social influence.
Conclusions: Women’s empowerment in New Uzbekistan is shaped not only by reforms and institutional frameworks but also by psychological processes that build resilience and leadership. Inclusive pedagogical and policy approaches that acknowledge women’s psychological strengths can accelerate social transformation and gender equality.
Limitations: The study is primarily conceptual and relies on secondary data, which may limit generalizability and the ability to capture individual lived experiences.
Contribution: This study shows how reforms and psychological resources foster women’s empowerment and civic participation, guiding effective strategies for development.
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Bandura, A., & Walters, R. H. (1977). Social learning theory (Vol. 1): Prentice hall Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
Bedrov, A., & Gable, S. L. (2023). Thriving together: the benefits of women's social ties for physical, psychological and relationship health. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, 378(1868), 20210441. doi:https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2021.0441
Flores, W., & Samuel, J. (2019). Grassroots organisations and the sustainable development goals: no one left behind? Bmj, 365, l2269. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l2269
Fraser, N. (2000). Rethinking recognition. New left review, 3, 107.
García-Silva, E., Perez-Suarez, S., Zavala-Parrales, A., Meléndez-Anzures, F. E., & Dominguez, A. (2025). Continuing education of academic women in STEM: perspectives on mentoring and professional roles. Frontiers in Education, Volume 10 - 2025. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1473331
Gardiner, A., Chur-Hansen, A., Turnbull, D., & Semmler, C. (2023). Qualitative evaluations of women's leadership programs: a global, multi-sector systematic review. Aust J Psychol, 75(1), 2213781. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/00049530.2023.2213781
Gillet, N., Cougot, B., Moret, L., Tripodi, D., & Boudrias, J.-S. (2023). Longitudinal psychological empowerment profiles, their determinants, and some health-related outcomes. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 32. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1359432X.2023.2170227
Gilligan, C. (1993). In a different voice: Psychological theory and women’s development: Harvard university press.
Greenberg, L. S. (2017). Emotion-focused therapy: American Psychological Association.
House, J. S. (1983). Work stress and social support. Addison-Wesley series on occupational stress. doi:https://doi.org/10.1539/sangyoeisei.47.210
Huis, M. A., Hansen, N., Otten, S., & Lensink, R. (2017). A Three-Dimensional Model of Women’s Empowerment: Implications in the Field of Microfinance and Future Directions. Frontiers in Psychology, Volume 8 - 2017. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01678
Ibrahim, I. A., El-Monshed, A. H., Altheeb, M., & El-Sehrawy, M. G. (2024). Transformational Leadership, Psychological Empowerment, and Organizational Citizenship Behaviors among Nursing Workforce: A Single Mediation Analysis. J Nurs Manag, 2024, 9919371. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/9919371
Kabeer, N. (1999). Resources, agency, achievements: Reflections on the measurement of women's empowerment. Development and change, 30(3), 435-464. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-7660.00125
Kok Wah, J. N. (2025). Empowering minds: how self-efficacy, self-esteem, and social support drive digital mental health engagement. Frontiers in public health, Volume 13 - 2025. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1565327
Kurbani, A., Novalia, N., & Nuarly, M. (2023). The effect of health, spatial planning and work discipline on employee work effectiveness. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies, 1(2), 71-80. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v1i2.1619
Kuzhabekova, A., & Almukhambetova, A. (2025). Women in Leadership in Education in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan (pp. 223-246).
Leight, J., Pedehombga, A., Ganaba, R., & Gelli, A. (2022). Women's empowerment, maternal depression, and stress: Evidence from rural Burkina Faso. SSM Ment Health, 2, 100160. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmmh.2022.100160
Lestari, S., Artisa, R. A., Nurliawati, N., & Maulana, R. R. (2025). Evaluation of the Affordable Food Program in Bandung City Using the CIPP Model. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 5(1), 85-100. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v5i1.5197
Lwamba, E., Shisler, S., Ridlehoover, W., Kupfer, M., Tshabalala, N., Nduku, P., . . . Snilstveit, B. (2022). Strengthening women's empowerment and gender equality in fragile contexts towards peaceful and inclusive societies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Campbell Syst Rev, 18(1), e1214. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.1214
Makhmudova, G., Madaeva, S., & Yusupova, D. (2023). Systemic analysis of gender relationship formation in the context of national and religious identity of the feminine topic in modern Uzbekistan. Social Legal Studios, 6, 85-93. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.32518/sals3.2023.85
Markus, H., & Kitayama, S. (1991). Culture and the Self: Implications for Cognition, Emotion, and Motivation. Psychological review, 98, 224-253. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.98.2.224
Mulyapradana, A., Aghus Jamaludin, K., Farikhul, M., Safna, S., & Nafiatul, M. (2025). Optimalisasi Layanan Desa Pedawang Melalui Sistem Kearsipan. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 5(1), 1-10. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v5i1.4253
Ngaliman, N., Catrayasa, I. W., & Lie, L. (2024). The influence of leadership, remuneration, competency on employee turnover intention with organizational culture as an intervening variable at Bank Ekonomi Rakyat Sejahtera Batam. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies, 1(3), 227-239. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v1i3.2376
Nugroho, E. J., Hutajulu, H., & Mollet, A. (2024). The influence of wages and allowances on productive working hours and business income at PT Hai Wah Talbuk Timika. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies, 2(1), 1-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v1i2.3363
Nussbaum, M. C. (2011). Creating capabilities: The human development approach: Harvard University Press.
Ochman, M. (2020). Women’s Empowerment and Grassroots Organizations: An Argument for Bounded Empowerment. Advances in Gender Research, vol. 29, 165-182. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/S1529-212620200000029007
Otariyani, A., Nofrima, S., & Febriyanti, D. (2025). Analisis Tanggapan Pengemudi Ojek Online terhadap Penerapan E-Tilang di Kota Palembang 2024. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 5(1), 11-31. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v5i1.4308
Ridho, F. M., Fauzan, M., Faisal, A., & Hanafi, H. (2024). The Effectiveness of Health Communication in Preventing Stunting. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 3(2), 99-107. doi:10.35912/jasispol.v3i2.2609
Riwukore, J. R., Marnisah, L., Fellyanus Habaora, F. H., & Yustini, T. (2022). Implementation of One Indonesian Data by the Central Statistics Agency of East Nusa Tenggara Province. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 1(2), 117-128. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v1i2.1194
Round, H., Yamao, S., Shao, B., Klonek, F., Sekiguchi, T., & Newman, A. (2024). Fostering psychological capital self-efficacy in emerging female leaders: Practical insights from an international leadership development program. Organizational Dynamics, 53(4), 101085. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orgdyn.2024.101085
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American psychologist, 55(1), 68.
Saifnazarova, F., & Saifnazarov, I. (2023). Experience in addressing the gender issue in post-Soviet countries. Social Legal Studios, 6, 143-152. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.32518/sals3.2023.143
Sapariati, A., Widnyani, I. A. P. S., & Dewi, N. D. U. (2025). Normative Analysis Of Maternity Leave Policy Implementation For Women Workers’ Rights In Bali. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 5(1), 33-42. doi:10.35912/jasispol.v5i1.3817
Seligman, M. E. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being: Simon and Schuster.
Serrenho, R., Rebelo dos Santos, N., Dionisio, A., & Silva, P. (2021). Empowerment at work: An empirical study on Empowering Leadership and Psychological Empowerment. Journal of Positive Management, 11. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.12775/JPM.2020.004
Sirait, A., Dewi, N. P., & Rumengan, A. E. (2024). Influence of transformational leadership, organizational citizenship behavior, and worker involvement on innovative work performance with sharing of knowledge as an intervening variable at the Office of PLP Class II Tanjung Uban, Ministry of Transportation. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies, 1(2), 111-127. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v1i2.2371
Sobirovich, T. B. (2024). The national idea as a driving force behind ideospheric transformation in Uzbekistan: Exploring its implications and impact. Asian Journal of Applied Science and Technology (AJAST), 8(3), 170-176. doi:https://doi.org/10.38177/ajast.2024.8316
Stewart, R., Wright, B., Smith, L., Roberts, S., & Russell, N. (2021). Gendered stereotypes and norms: A systematic review of interventions designed to shift attitudes and behaviour. Heliyon, 7(4), e06660. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06660
Taylor, S. E., Klein, L. C., Lewis, B. P., Gruenewald, T. L., Gurung, R. A., & Updegraff, J. A. (2000). Biobehavioral responses to stress in females: tend-and-befriend, not fight-or-flight. Psychological review, 107(3), 411. doi:https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295x.107.3.411
Tse, D. C. K. (2020). Volunteers' Felt Respect and Its Associations With Volunteering Retention, Daily Affect, Well-being, and Mortality. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci, 75(8), 1625-1636. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gby117
UNDP. (2024). Gender equality and women’s empowerment in Uzbekistan: Progress and challenges. Retrieved from UNDP Uzbekistan:
Wells, L., Fotheringham, S., & Pascoe, L. (2024). Insights on Engaging Men and Boys in Creating a More Gender Equal Future in Canada. Violence Against Women, 30(1), 297-322. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/10778012231203621
Yu, J. (2025). Impact of Social Stereotypes on Women's Identity. Highlights in Business, Economics and Management, 47, 165-171. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.54097/b2f1xx39
- Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: W.H. Freeman.
- Bandura, A., & Walters, R. H. (1977). Social learning theory (Vol. 1): Prentice hall Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
- Bedrov, A., & Gable, S. L. (2023). Thriving together: the benefits of women's social ties for physical, psychological and relationship health. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, 378(1868), 20210441. doi:https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2021.0441
- Flores, W., & Samuel, J. (2019). Grassroots organisations and the sustainable development goals: no one left behind? Bmj, 365, l2269. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l2269
- Fraser, N. (2000). Rethinking recognition. New left review, 3, 107.
- García-Silva, E., Perez-Suarez, S., Zavala-Parrales, A., Meléndez-Anzures, F. E., & Dominguez, A. (2025). Continuing education of academic women in STEM: perspectives on mentoring and professional roles. Frontiers in Education, Volume 10 - 2025. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1473331
- Gardiner, A., Chur-Hansen, A., Turnbull, D., & Semmler, C. (2023). Qualitative evaluations of women's leadership programs: a global, multi-sector systematic review. Aust J Psychol, 75(1), 2213781. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/00049530.2023.2213781
- Gillet, N., Cougot, B., Moret, L., Tripodi, D., & Boudrias, J.-S. (2023). Longitudinal psychological empowerment profiles, their determinants, and some health-related outcomes. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 32. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1359432X.2023.2170227
- Gilligan, C. (1993). In a different voice: Psychological theory and women’s development: Harvard university press.
- Greenberg, L. S. (2017). Emotion-focused therapy: American Psychological Association.
- House, J. S. (1983). Work stress and social support. Addison-Wesley series on occupational stress. doi:https://doi.org/10.1539/sangyoeisei.47.210
- Huis, M. A., Hansen, N., Otten, S., & Lensink, R. (2017). A Three-Dimensional Model of Women’s Empowerment: Implications in the Field of Microfinance and Future Directions. Frontiers in Psychology, Volume 8 - 2017. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01678
- Ibrahim, I. A., El-Monshed, A. H., Altheeb, M., & El-Sehrawy, M. G. (2024). Transformational Leadership, Psychological Empowerment, and Organizational Citizenship Behaviors among Nursing Workforce: A Single Mediation Analysis. J Nurs Manag, 2024, 9919371. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/9919371
- Kabeer, N. (1999). Resources, agency, achievements: Reflections on the measurement of women's empowerment. Development and change, 30(3), 435-464. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-7660.00125
- Kok Wah, J. N. (2025). Empowering minds: how self-efficacy, self-esteem, and social support drive digital mental health engagement. Frontiers in public health, Volume 13 - 2025. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1565327
- Kurbani, A., Novalia, N., & Nuarly, M. (2023). The effect of health, spatial planning and work discipline on employee work effectiveness. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies, 1(2), 71-80. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v1i2.1619
- Kuzhabekova, A., & Almukhambetova, A. (2025). Women in Leadership in Education in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan (pp. 223-246).
- Leight, J., Pedehombga, A., Ganaba, R., & Gelli, A. (2022). Women's empowerment, maternal depression, and stress: Evidence from rural Burkina Faso. SSM Ment Health, 2, 100160. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmmh.2022.100160
- Lestari, S., Artisa, R. A., Nurliawati, N., & Maulana, R. R. (2025). Evaluation of the Affordable Food Program in Bandung City Using the CIPP Model. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 5(1), 85-100. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v5i1.5197
- Lwamba, E., Shisler, S., Ridlehoover, W., Kupfer, M., Tshabalala, N., Nduku, P., . . . Snilstveit, B. (2022). Strengthening women's empowerment and gender equality in fragile contexts towards peaceful and inclusive societies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Campbell Syst Rev, 18(1), e1214. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.1214
- Makhmudova, G., Madaeva, S., & Yusupova, D. (2023). Systemic analysis of gender relationship formation in the context of national and religious identity of the feminine topic in modern Uzbekistan. Social Legal Studios, 6, 85-93. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.32518/sals3.2023.85
- Markus, H., & Kitayama, S. (1991). Culture and the Self: Implications for Cognition, Emotion, and Motivation. Psychological review, 98, 224-253. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.98.2.224
- Mulyapradana, A., Aghus Jamaludin, K., Farikhul, M., Safna, S., & Nafiatul, M. (2025). Optimalisasi Layanan Desa Pedawang Melalui Sistem Kearsipan. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 5(1), 1-10. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v5i1.4253
- Ngaliman, N., Catrayasa, I. W., & Lie, L. (2024). The influence of leadership, remuneration, competency on employee turnover intention with organizational culture as an intervening variable at Bank Ekonomi Rakyat Sejahtera Batam. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies, 1(3), 227-239. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v1i3.2376
- Nugroho, E. J., Hutajulu, H., & Mollet, A. (2024). The influence of wages and allowances on productive working hours and business income at PT Hai Wah Talbuk Timika. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies, 2(1), 1-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v1i2.3363
- Nussbaum, M. C. (2011). Creating capabilities: The human development approach: Harvard University Press.
- Ochman, M. (2020). Women’s Empowerment and Grassroots Organizations: An Argument for Bounded Empowerment. Advances in Gender Research, vol. 29, 165-182. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/S1529-212620200000029007
- Otariyani, A., Nofrima, S., & Febriyanti, D. (2025). Analisis Tanggapan Pengemudi Ojek Online terhadap Penerapan E-Tilang di Kota Palembang 2024. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 5(1), 11-31. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v5i1.4308
- Ridho, F. M., Fauzan, M., Faisal, A., & Hanafi, H. (2024). The Effectiveness of Health Communication in Preventing Stunting. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 3(2), 99-107. doi:10.35912/jasispol.v3i2.2609
- Riwukore, J. R., Marnisah, L., Fellyanus Habaora, F. H., & Yustini, T. (2022). Implementation of One Indonesian Data by the Central Statistics Agency of East Nusa Tenggara Province. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 1(2), 117-128. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v1i2.1194
- Round, H., Yamao, S., Shao, B., Klonek, F., Sekiguchi, T., & Newman, A. (2024). Fostering psychological capital self-efficacy in emerging female leaders: Practical insights from an international leadership development program. Organizational Dynamics, 53(4), 101085. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orgdyn.2024.101085
- Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American psychologist, 55(1), 68.
- Saifnazarova, F., & Saifnazarov, I. (2023). Experience in addressing the gender issue in post-Soviet countries. Social Legal Studios, 6, 143-152. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.32518/sals3.2023.143
- Sapariati, A., Widnyani, I. A. P. S., & Dewi, N. D. U. (2025). Normative Analysis Of Maternity Leave Policy Implementation For Women Workers’ Rights In Bali. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 5(1), 33-42. doi:10.35912/jasispol.v5i1.3817
- Seligman, M. E. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being: Simon and Schuster.
- Serrenho, R., Rebelo dos Santos, N., Dionisio, A., & Silva, P. (2021). Empowerment at work: An empirical study on Empowering Leadership and Psychological Empowerment. Journal of Positive Management, 11. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.12775/JPM.2020.004
- Sirait, A., Dewi, N. P., & Rumengan, A. E. (2024). Influence of transformational leadership, organizational citizenship behavior, and worker involvement on innovative work performance with sharing of knowledge as an intervening variable at the Office of PLP Class II Tanjung Uban, Ministry of Transportation. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies, 1(2), 111-127. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v1i2.2371
- Sobirovich, T. B. (2024). The national idea as a driving force behind ideospheric transformation in Uzbekistan: Exploring its implications and impact. Asian Journal of Applied Science and Technology (AJAST), 8(3), 170-176. doi:https://doi.org/10.38177/ajast.2024.8316
- Stewart, R., Wright, B., Smith, L., Roberts, S., & Russell, N. (2021). Gendered stereotypes and norms: A systematic review of interventions designed to shift attitudes and behaviour. Heliyon, 7(4), e06660. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06660
- Taylor, S. E., Klein, L. C., Lewis, B. P., Gruenewald, T. L., Gurung, R. A., & Updegraff, J. A. (2000). Biobehavioral responses to stress in females: tend-and-befriend, not fight-or-flight. Psychological review, 107(3), 411. doi:https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295x.107.3.411
- Tse, D. C. K. (2020). Volunteers' Felt Respect and Its Associations With Volunteering Retention, Daily Affect, Well-being, and Mortality. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci, 75(8), 1625-1636. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gby117
- UNDP. (2024). Gender equality and women’s empowerment in Uzbekistan: Progress and challenges. Retrieved from UNDP Uzbekistan:
- Wells, L., Fotheringham, S., & Pascoe, L. (2024). Insights on Engaging Men and Boys in Creating a More Gender Equal Future in Canada. Violence Against Women, 30(1), 297-322. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/10778012231203621
- Yu, J. (2025). Impact of Social Stereotypes on Women's Identity. Highlights in Business, Economics and Management, 47, 165-171. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.54097/b2f1xx39
