Uzbekistan is planning new measures to encourage marriages after the age of 21 and promote the use of prenuptial agreements as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening protections for women and children.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the proposals during a presentation on new initiatives designed to improve the system for protecting the rights of women and minors and preventing harassment and violence.
The proposals were prepared by a coordination council based on recommendations from experts, public discussions and international practices.
One of the key proposals is to introduce financial incentives encouraging marriages between individuals aged 21 and older. According to officials, around 40% of marriages in Uzbekistan currently occur between people aged 18–19.
Authorities say 21 is considered an optimal age for marriage under international recommendations, as it is when individuals typically achieve greater financial independence and social maturity.
The government also plans to strengthen efforts to detect early marriages. Under a new proposal, individuals who report violations of marriage-age legislation could receive 15% of the fine imposed on offenders.
Officials also plan to promote the use of prenuptial agreements by introducing incentives such as reduced state fees for registering marriage contracts.
Mirziyoyev previously raised the issue in October last year, describing prenuptial agreements as a tool to protect the rights of spouses and reduce family conflicts. According to the president, such contracts can help prevent financial disputes and difficulties in the event of divorce.
The initiatives also include tougher measures to combat violence and harassment. Among the proposals are administrative detention of up to five days for sexual harassment and the possibility of life imprisonment for paedophilia.
Authorities are also considering transferring the investigation of certain sexual crimes against minors from internal affairs bodies to prosecutors and involving specially trained lawyers, investigators and judges in such cases.
In addition, women who receive protection orders against violence may be provided with a mobile SOS application. When activated, the system would alert nearby police officers within a five-kilometre radius, who would be required to arrive within 10 minutes.
Other proposals aim to improve support systems for vulnerable groups. Authorities plan to establish an interagency system to monitor cases of early marriage and pregnancies among girls under 16, while introducing administrative liability for concealing such cases.
The reforms also include measures allowing pregnant students and young mothers raising children under three to continue their education in order to prevent them from dropping out of universities.
Mirziyoyev approved the proposals and instructed relevant authorities to conduct broad public outreach explaining the new measures.
Family issues have become an increasingly important policy focus in recent years. Since the beginning of 2025, nearly 32,000 couples have divorced in Uzbekistan, while about 16,000 people have avoided paying alimony, leaving former spouses and children with unpaid obligations.
The new initiatives aim to strengthen family stability, protect vulnerable groups and promote more responsible decisions regarding marriage.
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