Yuldasheva was married and she worked in the fields in the Denov district of Uzbekistan. She was hand-feeding a combine harvester when her long clothes became entangled in the machinery. As a result, both of her legs had to be amputated. She became immobile as her family could not afford a wheelchair.[1] She told her husband that he should remarry, but he firmly refused, telling her never to bring up the matter again.[1]
Within two years of the accident, she had established a sewing business that employed forty other women.[2] She aimed to provide an alternative to fieldwork for women. She organised training and obtained contracts so that they could create uniforms for businesses and schools.[3]
Yuldasheva received visits from people offering their sympathies, many of whom took selfies with her. One group brought a wheelchair and a makeup box, which they used in photos. A week later, she discovered that the wheelchair actually belonged to a local elderly woman. She returned the chair and the make-up box was retrieved. She became resigned to the exploitation, but she noted her own disappointment at losing the chair as she had been temporarily mobile.[1] Even with a wheelchair, she could not travel far, as her family lived more than a mile from the nearest road, which she would have to traverse before reaching any form of transport. The dresses that she makes are delivered by her son on his bicycle.[1]
In 2024 she was recognised as one of the BBC's 100 inspiring women for 2024. Following this, she was awarded the national 'Mardlik' (Courage) award in December 2024 at a meeting chaired by the President.[2] The President's daughter and assistant Saida Mirziyoyeva was tasked with making a film about Yuldosheva, and at least four more, in 2025.[3] The President also announced ambitious plans to improve support for people with disabilities.[2] Yuldosheva thanked the President for his help and for continuing to deliver peace.[1]
