A conference on "The role of civil society in promoting gender equality and women's rights" was held at the YAP Central Office on October 20, jointly organized by the New Azerbaijan Party and the Parliamentary Committee on Family, Women and Children Affairs.

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Chair of the New Azerbaijan Party - Head of the Central Office Tahir Budagov said that ensuring gender equality as an integral part of human rights and freedoms in our country has always been one of the priorities of state policy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The legal basis for the implementation of gender policy in accordance with the requirements of modern times is the Constitution of independent Azerbaijan, adopted on November 12, 1995 on the initiative and under the direct leadership of Heydar Aliyev. According to the Law "On Ensuring Gender Equality (Men and Women)" adopted 15 years ago is also important in terms of reliable protection of women's rights in our country. The law reflects the mechanism of legal regulation to protect the gender balance.

Tahir Budagov noted that a society with gender equality is a society in which men and women are equal members: “In such a society, the rights of men and women are protected equally. Promoting gender equality is a constant issue and it is important to pursue it consistently. In this area, civil society actors are also active in covering important issues.

He also noted that the state women's policy in Azerbaijan was determined by the great leader Heydar Aliyev. The issues of gender equality have a special place in the policy pursued by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev. Gender issues are expected at almost all levels in Azerbaijan. An excellent legal framework has been created for women to assert themselves in public life. It is no coincidence that our women are represented in the Milli Majlis, international organizations and public administration.

The head of the YAP Central Office said that the New Azerbaijan Party always has a high attitude towards Azerbaijani women: “Our women have been active in the ranks of our party since its inception. Our women have been at the forefront of all stages of the YAP's development. In all difficult moments, they fulfilled their duties with dignity. This activity, along with the historical traditions of Azerbaijani women, stems from the essence of the gender policy implemented in our country - the creation of the necessary conditions for women to enjoy all opportunities as a full member of society.

In her speech, the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Family, Women and Children Hicran Huseynova noted that the policy pursued by the Azerbaijani state in the field of gender equality, the established institutional mechanisms and legislative framework are ahead of many developed countries. In general, Azerbaijan has historically stood side by side with many leading countries in ensuring equality and protecting women's rights. Article 25 of the Constitution of Azerbaijan establishes the principle of equality between women and men and declares the inadmissibility of discrimination. Violation of the right to equality is defined in the Criminal Code as a criminal act.

The chair of the committee noted that many legal acts, documents, action plans, state programs have been adopted, including the implementation of gender equality policy: “Besides, Azerbaijan has joined a number of conventions supporting women's rights and gender equality. This, in turn, led to the improvement of the legislative framework. At the same time, all adopted and newly drafted laws and regulations are subject to gender expertise. This is very important, as it identifies many gaps in ensuring gender equality. Azerbaijan has joined the Global Sustainable Development Goals, which include 17 goals and 169 goals set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In general, a number of factors that slow down the process of ensuring gender equality in the world also exist in Azerbaijan. Early marriage, domestic violence, and negative gender stereotypes remain a problem. This means that we have duties and responsibilities. The law on gender equality needs to be amended on certain issues, and a draft has been prepared.

According to Huseynova, achieving gender equality is not an easy task: "Officials of the parties and civil society in the country should increase cooperation in this area, strengthen awareness, and convey existing laws, rights and freedoms to the people."

Speaking at the event, Bahar Muradova, a member of the YAP Board and chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, said that the law on gender equality defines the main directions of the state policy in this direction. At the same time, the law promotes gender culture. He stressed the importance of the proposed changes to the law.

The Chairperson of the State Committee noted that gender equality is the creation of equal rights, duties, opportunities for men and women, as well as an equal social situation in society. At the same time, gender equality means equal representation and participation. Noting that equal opportunities consist of human rights, conditions and guarantees necessary for the realization of all their forms, the chairman of the Committee stressed that each state has defined an appropriate policy in this regard. She noted that in order to achieve this equality, first of all, it is necessary to eliminate all forms of sexual inequality and discrimination. In this regard, Azerbaijan has acceded to international conventions and incorporated its obligations into its legislation.

Touching upon the importance of promoting gender equality, Muradova said that the new political configuration in Azerbaijan allows us to contribute to equal representation and participation in political parties, non-governmental organizations and trade unions. The chairman of the committee stressed the role of the YAP as a central actor in the political configuration in our country.

Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection Anar Karimov said that the role of Azerbaijani women in society is constantly growing. Regarding the employment of women, the Deputy Minister said that women make up more than 50 percent of the country's population and consistent measures are being taken to ensure their employment.

According to Karimov, women also take an active part in the self-employment program. He also gave detailed information about the programs and projects implemented by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in this direction.

The conference was also attended by Deputy Chair of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan Sona Salmanova, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Labor and Social Policy Musa Guliyev, Deputy Head of the Sabunchu District Executive Power Rena Farajova, UNFPA Representative in Azerbaijan Farid Babayev, “Women Entrepreneurs Development Association in Azerbaijan Sakina Babayeva, Chairman of the Board of the Public Union, and Rashad Mahmudov, MP, spoke about the legal guarantees of gender equality in our country, protection of women's social rights, development of women's entrepreneurship, the role of civil society in ensuring gender equality, etc. expressed their views on the issues.