By Ansar M Bhatti
Azerbaijan has made notable strides in promoting gender equality, anchored in its legal framework and reinforced by ongoing policy efforts. The country’s Constitution serves as the cornerstone of these commitments.
Adopted in 1995 and amended several times, the Constitution explicitly guarantees equal rights for men and women and prohibits any form of discrimination based on gender. Article 25 declares that everyone is equal before the law and the courts, regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, religion, or other characteristics.
In 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic granted women equal political rights, including the right to vote and stand for election, making it the first Muslim-majority country and one of the earliest in the world to do so.
Article 25 declares this provision ensures that gender-based discrimination is unconstitutional, providing a strong legal basis for equality in political, economic, social, and cultural spheres.
Complementing the Constitution, Azerbaijan enacted the Law on Guarantees of Equal Rights for Women and Men in 2006. This legislation further prohibits all forms of gender-based discrimination and outlines measures to ensure equal opportunities in employment, education, healthcare, and public life. It defines discrimination broadly, covering direct and indirect forms, and allows for temporary special measures to accelerate de facto equality where gaps persist.
These laws align with Azerbaijan’s international obligations, including its ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1995. Despite these robust legal protections, challenges remain in translating constitutional guarantees into full societal equality. Women in Azerbaijan participate actively in the workforce and education.
Recent data indicates that women comprised about 48.4% of the employed population as of early 2025, highlighting gradual progress but also room for improvement in economic parity. Cultural norms and structural barriers sometimes hinder women’s full advancement, particularly in rural areas or certain sectors.
In a significant development underscoring the government’s renewed focus, President Ilham Aliyev approved the National Action Plan on Gender Equality for 2026–2028 in late December 2025. This plan, officially titled the “National Action Plan on Gender (Equality of Women and Men) in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026-2028,” signals a continued state commitment to closing gender parity gaps.
It builds on previous strategies and incorporates targeted measures across multiple domains. Key elements of the plan include establishing coordination groups on gender equality within state agencies at central and local levels. These voluntary groups, composed of representatives from various bodies, aim to mainstream gender perspectives in policy-making and implementation. The plan also emphasizes boosting women’s social and civic engagement, including support for non-governmental organizations focused on gender issues.
It addresses emerging concerns, such as demographic trends noting a slight decline in the proportion of women in certain statistics, and promotes initiatives to enhance women’s access to justice, education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, and economic opportunities.
The approval of this action plan reflects Azerbaijan’s alignment with global agendas, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality. It comes amid regional efforts, including collaborations in Central Asia to advance women’s rights ahead of international forums like the Commission on the Status of Women.
While the constitutional prohibition on gender discrimination provides a solid foundation, the effectiveness of these efforts depends on consistent implementation, monitoring, and public awareness. The 2026–2028 National Action Plan represents an optimistic step forward, demonstrating political will to bridge remaining gaps.
By fostering inclusive policies and institutional mechanisms, Azerbaijan continues to advance toward a society where men and women enjoy truly equal rights and opportunities.
