Termez State University recognises accessible childcare as an important institutional mechanism for ensuring that motherhood and family responsibilities do not prevent women from pursuing and completing higher education. Its family-support framework combines dedicated childcare infrastructure, institutional childcare provisions and student welfare arrangements intended to help student parents reconcile academic responsibilities with the care and upbringing of young children.
The university established a dedicated childcare facility within Student Dormitory No. 6, specifically designed to accommodate the children of students and academic personnel while their parents participate in university activities. The facility was publicly documented on 8 April 2021 as providing childcare entirely free of charge, reflecting the university's early commitment to reducing the financial and practical barriers experienced by student parents.
The childcare facility was equipped with hygienic, child-friendly rooms, age-appropriate educational materials, recreational resources and dedicated spaces for supervised care. Experienced caregivers were appointed to provide professional supervision and ensure children's safety and well-being. The arrangements included three nutritious meals daily, morning physical exercises and developmental activities involving language learning, reading, drawing, music and creative engagement. A designated waiting area for parents complemented the childcare provision, creating a supportive environment for families within the university's residential infrastructure.
The institutional framework was strengthened through the Paternity Leave and Shared Childcare Support Policy, effective from 1 January 2025, which establishes the university's commitment to maintaining or facilitating childcare access for students and employees. The policy recognises childcare responsibilities as a factor influencing educational and professional participation and provides an institutional basis for family-responsive support arrangements.
The university's Women's Advisory Council complements these provisions by engaging with married students and student parents to identify difficulties affecting their educational participation. During January 2025, the council conducted consultations with married students concerning their living conditions, family-related responsibilities and educational needs. Such engagement provides an institutional channel for identifying barriers faced by young mothers and developing appropriate support measures.
The university has also pursued the development of additional childcare infrastructure. Construction of a 70-place campus kindergarten commenced in 2024, with opening originally planned for 2026. This development represents an expansion of the university's family-support infrastructure and is distinct from the childcare facility previously documented within Student Dormitory No. 6.
Together, the university's established childcare provision, formal family-support policy and institutional engagement with student parents reflect a commitment to addressing the structural barriers that can affect women's educational participation. Accessible childcare is particularly important for recent mothers, whose ability to attend lectures, participate in examinations and undertake independent academic work may depend on reliable arrangements for the care of their children.
Through the continued development of childcare infrastructure and family-responsive student support, Termez State University contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality, promoting more equitable conditions for women to combine motherhood with university education and supporting the principle that family responsibilities should not determine access to academic and professional opportunities.
