First Lady of Azerbaijan: Gender equality is the most important part of democratic society

Mrs. Aliyeva said that the process of eliminating inequality between men and women began a long time ago, and the European countries experienced a successful gender policy. Women in the European society participate in all spheres of life - in business, financial sector, military issues.

Baku has been hosting a conference on gender equality on May 24-25, organized with the support of the government of Azerbaijan and the Council of Europe. The first conference on this topic took place 25 years ago. The participants of the conference also include Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe Maud de Boer-Buquicchio and UN Deputy Secretary General Asha-Rose Migiro.

"I am very pleased that Baku has become home of many international meetings and conferences on important problems and challenges of modern world. This event creates the possibility for constructive dialogue and game solution as well as being valuable opportunity to benefit global experience," Mrs. Aliyeva said.

The First Lady of Azerbaijan thanked the Council of Europe for decision to hold this conference in Baku. "I believe that active position and complex strategy of Azerbaijan as to the issue related to gender equality are the main reasons why this conference is being held here," Mrs. Aliyeva said.

Mrs. Aliyeva said the problem of this conference is of big importance. "Gender equality is the most important part of democratic society. The main achievement of 20th century is that we have managed to change the values and principle guidelines of the society," she said.

Mrs. Aliyeva said despite some progresses, much more should be achieved, and the progress in this regard can be great. She said the 20th century can be regarded as a new stage in the life of women. The number of women working in the municipalities has doubled since 2004. A large number of women are also involved in the spheres of education and health.

Gender equality is a great achievement of the 20th century, the First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva said on Baku on May 24, addressing the 7th Conference of Ministers of the Council of Europe "Gender equality: equality between de-jure and de facto".

According to Mrs. Aliyeva, Azerbaijan is a victim of Armenian aggression, resulting in violation of rights of Azerbaijani citizens, including women's rights, in 20% of Azerbaijani territories. The First Lady of Azerbaijan urged the international organizations to keep this issue on the agenda.
Mrs. Aliyeva highlighted the importance and urgency of the problem of domestic violence.

"Azerbaijan is no exception. It is very difficult to get a clear reflection on this issue. It is immoral to use Azerbaijani traditions and mentality to justify the abuse of women in the family. Women have traditionally been respected in Azerbaijani society. The woman-mother is the most respected person for the Azerbaijanis," she said.

According to Mrs. Aliyeva, the women of different societies have largely depended on men since the beginning of civilization. Today, experts agree that the world has come to the level of development, where everything is changing.


/Trend/