Saodat Shermatova, steering Uzbekistan toward gender equality one bus ride at a time
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One February morning in 2024, Saodat Shermatova from Tashkent took the wheel of a bus for the very first time. It was just another morning for many, but not for 50-year-old Saodat Shermatova. For her, it was the beginning of a new era in her personal and professional life.
This was a great challenge and achievement in Uzbekistan, where women had been prohibited from driving heavy vehicles for decades until the restriction was lifted in February 2024.
A mother of two and a graduate attorney, she has worked in the legal field for most of her life, focusing on specialized areas like government agencies, land registries, and district social security centers. In 2019, she took a significant step toward a driving career by earning a D-category license, which allows her to drive minibuses and buses.
Breaking barriers, one kilometer at a time
When Shermatova talks about her childhood, she has only good memories of that period. “Even in my school years, I had an interest in vehicles; I used to ride a bicycle all the time. Looking back, that was an early sign of my passion for driving,” she remembers.
She had someone to look up to while growing up and in her teenage years. There were two or three women drivers in her village, and seeing them left a strong impression on her.
“I often remember them. Perhaps my interest was awakened by these women in our village,” Shermatova says.
This spark was enough for her to make a bold career change. Today, she is driving an electric bus on line 67 in Tashkent, one of the biggest cities in Central Asia.
A childhood dream in motion: Inspired by the few women drivers in her village, Saodat Shermatova now proudly navigates the streets of Tashkent. Photo: UN Women/Danijel Rakić
“I feel proud to be serving my people and my country. Sometimes, I feel a sense of happiness and pride. I see Uzbekistan's streets looking beautiful, and I take pride in serving my people on these streets,” Shermatova says proudly.
I feel proud to be serving my people and my country. Sometimes, I feel a sense of happiness and pride.” – Saodat Shermatova
The road of trials and triumphs
At the beginning of her career shift, she faced challenges: “There were some who were skeptical and doubted whether I could handle it because I was a woman,” says Shermatova. But she overcame all these difficulties because important people supported her decisions, including her family, her best friend, and her instructor.
During her studies and training, one of her friends and colleagues provided the most substantial support on this journey.
“She would say, ‘Saodat, we have to succeed! We need to show that we can do it! We need to create opportunities for women,’” Shermatova remembers and continues, “We studied in the same group and together learned about buses, what and where things are located, and how they are controlled.”
With encouragement from her mentor and employer, Saodat Shermatova turned determination into success, proving that strong support systems drive change. Photo: UN Women/Danijel Rakić
The key pillar of support was her instructor, Shukhrat aka, who believed in her success and encouraged her all the way. “He taught me everything about driving a bus from start to finish and helped me gain experience in the field of bus driving,” she concludes.
Her resilience did not go unnoticed. The director of her company welcomed her warmly, expressing his confidence in her success. His words deeply motivated her.
“My first day driving the bus is still fresh in my memory. I was very excited. I wondered how it would be. But I trusted myself and drove the bus into the street. There was excitement, but I drove the bus confidently, and everything went well,” Shermatova remembers.
My first day driving the bus is still fresh in my memory. I was very excited. I wondered how it would be. But I trusted myself and drove the bus into the street.” – Saodat Shermatova
The buses she now drives are far more advanced than the minibuses she initially drove. Equipped with cameras that provide a comprehensive view in all directions, covering the interior, exterior, and front, she can monitor the surroundings clearly, ensuring safety and awareness of any incidents.
“Yes, in Uzbekistan, there is a plan to increase the number of electric vehicles and electric buses. The main goal of bringing these buses is to provide quality service to our people and to protect our environment. This includes reducing pollution and preserving natural, clean air. Therefore, electric buses are being introduced to provide quality service and achieve these environmental benefits,” she highlights the government’s vision.
However, no amount of technology can fully prepare someone for the unique challenges of being one of Tashkent's first female bus drivers, echoing the “Full and Equal Decision-making Power” area of the Beijing+30 Action Agenda, a voluntary, action-oriented platform to accelerate the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the 2030 Agenda.
“During my first days on the road, I had to deal with peak-hour traffic. The congestion was overwhelming, and I was still adjusting to the size of the bus,” she recalls. “I got so nervous that I didn’t realize the bus had moved backward slightly. The rear window broke.”
For many, this would be a moment of defeat. But for Shermatova, it was a lesson. Looking back on the experience, she sees it as a reminder of the importance of staying alert and paying attention to every detail. Ultimately, it made her a better driver - something she takes pride in.
From doubt to respect
As time passed, even those who once doubted her began acknowledging her skills.
“When people saw me driving a bus for the first time, their reactions completely changed. At first, they were surprised. Then, they were happy.”
Paving the way: As one of Uzbekistan’s first female bus drivers, Shermatova is opening doors for more women to follow in her tracks. Photo: UN Women/Danijel Rakić
Behind the steering wheel of change
Saodat Shermatova is not just a bus driver; she is a pioneer. With every kilometer she drives, she is changing perceptions and proving that gender should never be a barrier to opportunity. Today, she is not just navigating the streets of Tashkent; she is driving change.
And as more women follow in her footsteps, Uzbekistan’s roads will never be the same again. Looking to the future, she has a piece of advice for younger generations.
“Nothing in life comes easily - success is a result of effort and perseverance. My advice to young girls is to never fear difficulties. They should strive to overcome them,” Shermatova concludes.
“My advice to young girls is to never fear difficulties. They should strive to overcome them.” – Saodat Shermatova
She reserves her most profound encouragement for her daughter. “I am teaching my daughter about computers. I tell her to stay aware of every new development. Her character is somewhat like mine,” she says warmly.
Future for women in public transport
Currently, Shermatova and her training partner remain Uzbekistan's only two female bus drivers. "But I believe that in the future, our number will increase. More women will join us, and we will be provided with work."
Her message to young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps is clear: those with self-confidence and a strong interest in the field should focus on gaining experience and avoiding haste. She emphasizes the complexity of the field, reminding them that technology does not forgive mistakes.
She firmly believes that women can succeed in public transport, just as they have in other male-dominated industries.
“Women can work in this field,” Shermatova smiles. “It is a complex job. But it is also very enjoyable.”
This story is a part of the Beijing+30 regional communications campaign ‘Unstoppable’, aimed at marking the 30th commemoration of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The views expressed in this story are those of the protagonist and the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of UN Women, the United Nations, or any of its affiliated organizations.