KURS ISHI

INTRODUCTION In Uzbekistan, discussions surrounding gender equality and women's empowerment have seen notable advancements, reflected in the adoption of the Law "On Guarantees of Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men" in 2019 [1]. This legislative framework aims to systematically integrate gender-sensitive approaches across all spheres of public life, with measurable impacts on women's participation in various sectors. For instance, the share of women in leadership positions across public administration and economic sectors reached 28% by 2023, an increase from 24% in 2020, demonstrating a consistent upward trend in female representation [2]. Furthermore, the entrepreneurial landscape in Uzbekistan has witnessed a significant rise in women-led businesses, with over 150,000 women entrepreneurs by 2023, contributing an estimated 20% to the national GDP [3]. Globally, the discourse around feminism and women's rights continues to evolve, with the global gender equality index showing that while progress has been made, significant disparities persist, particularly in economic participation and political empowerment, where the global gender gap stands at 68.6% in 2024, indicating that it will take 134 years to close [4]. Despite legislative progress and increased representation, many challenges remain unsolved, such as the persistent wage gap, which, according to a 2023 report, still shows women earning on average 18% less than men for similar work in Uzbekistan [5]. Furthermore, societal gender roles, though evolving, continue to influence career choices, family responsibilities, and access to resources, often perpetuating subtle forms of discrimination. Literary analysis, especially of canonical texts like Jane Austen's *Pride and Prejudice*, provides a unique platform to trace the historical construction of gender roles, the struggles against patriarchal norms, and the nascent expressions of female agency. By dissecting these historical narratives, we can better understand the societal foundations that have shaped current inequalities and derive insights into effective strategies for fostering genuine gender equality, moving beyond symbolic gestures towards systemic change. International scholarship has extensively engaged with Jane Austen’s works through a feminist lens, offering diverse interpretations of her characters and narratives. Sandra Gilb ...