Azerbaijan is better known not only for its offshore oil and high-tech achievements but also guarantees equal rights for everyone. The country’s desire to prevent gender based discrimination was highlighted in the effectivenews.com

The current Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan guarantees equal rights for women and men in the political, economic, social and cultural spheres and ensures equal opportunities in the enjoyment of the above in order to prevent gender based discrimination. However this was not always the case and traditional ideas meant that social and gender discrimination was a baimage1rrier which restricted women from playing a part in the country’s economy or exercising their legal rights. Nonetheless, universal suffrage was introduced in Azerbaijan by the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1918 which made Azerbaijan the first democratic, parliamentary republic in the Middle East and the first Muslim country ever to allow women the right to vote and have equal political rights with men. This has led to observations that although Azerbaijan is a predominantly Muslim country, it remains
loyal to secular values and builds its legal basis on Western standards leading to more rights for women. This progressive change happened before it did in many other developed countries including France. Moreover,President of Azerbaijan is always keen on the gender issues in Azerbaijan and tries to improve and enhance women’s rights. A good example of this is his wife, the first lady of Azerbaijan Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva who plays a crucial role in the governance of the country. For example currently we can witness an international women’s forum taking place in Azerbaijan.

There are also a number of groups (NGO’s) that promote and protect civil rights and humanitarian needs for women and children in Azerbaijan. These groups were formed after the collapse of the USSR as the social status of women was unclear in this transition. Women in Azerbaijan have since been active in such NGO’s often playing leading roles from early on. They are able to deal with the social issues that have faced women for centuries, such as health, disabilities, child care and education.

It generally appears that women’s rights are better in Azerbaijan than other post-Soviet territories. There are no legal restrictions on the participation of women in politics. And in June 2012 Baku hosted the 23rd annual meeting of the Crans Montana Forum which included the event: “The Role of Women in Tomorrows World” chaired by the first lady of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva, her participation showing the first lady’s commitment to protecting and empowering all the women of Azerbaijan.

The most recent positive development in Azerbaijan is the adoption of the Law on Domestic Violence in October 2010 which sought to offer more protection for women and higher conviction for domestic abusers. Azerbaijan has been rapidly modernised since gaining its independence in 1991 and as a member of the Council of Europe coincides with the values of human rights, equality, tolerance and diversity.

Just two days ago during an event in Baku the head of the administration of President Mr Ramiz Mekhdiyev mentioned how important it was to protect the role of women from religious radicalism which means that women should always have a choice. He also mentioned that the government is keen to involve Western educated Azeris in managerial and senior positions in order to be competitive on the global and competitive scene. This shows the government’s commitment to secularism.

Interestingly enough, here in the West we do not know a lot about this country where traditions of gender equality goes back to the 7th century and was described in folk lore as “Dede Gorgud.” Apparently today this tradition of gender equality is being seriously taken care of by Azerbaijan’s innovative leader Mr Ilham Aliyev.

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