In 2022, the UN advanced gender equality in Azerbaijan by supporting  implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in Azerbaijan; the first-ever web portal providing referrals to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV); the launch of “safe spaces” and provision of free legal and psychosocial support at Women’s Resource Centers around the country; vocational training for 235 survivors of GBV; integration of gender-mainstreaming into the National School Improvement Plan; a “Men for Gender Equality” platform targeting faith-based communities on social media that reached some 40,000 people; community-based trainings and information sessions on gender equality and religion for over 1,000 people; an online campaign on gender equality and women’s empowerment that reached 10,000 people around the International Day of the Girl Child; college and school discussions on gender-based violence and discrimination that reached more than 1,000 young people; information sessions on reproductive health and the prevention of violence and harmful practices, reaching more than 5,000 adolescent girls; and a STEM mentorship programme for girls that engaged 300 mentees and mentors. 

© UNDP/2022

Afag Karimli (mentor, standing) and Laman Gasımova (mentee), participants of STEM Mentorship program for women and girls

Azerbaijan was ranked 101st out of 146 countries,  with a score of 0.687 on the 2022 Global Gender Gap Index. There are multiple factors that contribute to gender  inequality in Azerbaijan. These include harmful  social norms, which limit women’s access to education,  and employment. The prevalence of gender-  based violence severely undermines women’s  health, well-being, and autonomy. Additionally,  gaps in national laws, policies, and institutional  mechanisms further restrict women’s rights and  opportunities, affecting women’s mobility and the  unequal distribution of inheritance.  The UN in Azerbaijan continued its work with partners  to eliminate gender-based discrimination and  ensure equal opportunities for women and men with a  multi-dimensional approach to societal attitudes,  legal frameworks, and women’s empowerment.