The agricultural revolution that evolved throughout Uzbekistan over the past century had a dramatic effect on women. The emancipation of women under Soviet rule increased their role in the labor force, especially in agriculture with the intensification of cotton production. More women became visible on state farms or kolkhozes and yet, remained invisible in respect to their domestic responsibilities. The policies of agrarian development implemented throughout Uzbekistan promoted inequalities and health risks as more women were seen working the land. The agricultural sector has often been the context for much of the research conducted in the area of women in development.
Women dominate much of the production agriculture conducted throughout the world.
Yet what makes Uzbek women unique are the social structures under Soviet rule that have allowed higher levels of literacy and better social protection when compared to other women in Muslim countries. The perceptions garnered from this study reveal that women are involved in a variety of agricultural careers-from farming to professional positions. However, women narrowly defined agriculture in terms of production. Opportunities exist for women in agriculture, but women may be hindered by male dominance in the profession, domestic responsibilities, and the desire for more feminized professions such as medicine. Women believe that success in agricultural careers was attainable, but women had to work harder to achieve success when compared to men in similar agricultural occupations.