All manifestations of discrimination against women are prohibited legislatively in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Maintenance of gender equality, protection of women’s rights in all the walks of social and public life and granting women increasingly broader opportunities in every area are amongst the state political priorities.

The package of amendments to the Labour Code that has arrived at the Milli Majlis signed by the Head of State, too, envisages a complete observance of the gender equality principle in labour relations and elimination of barriers for women’s activity in the labour market.

The Bill will, when enacted, reduce legislatively the number of professions and jobs restricted for women from 674 to 204; even then, the remaining restrictions will apply not to women in general but to pregnant ones and mothers with children younger than one year. Consequently, as is anticipated, there will be a dramatic turn in building labour relations and affording employment opportunities along the gender equality principles. Additionally, men and women will be treated identically and will be provided with equal employment chances. Last but not least, the average salary paid to women in this country will be brought closer to men’s average salary.

The Press and Public Relations Department  

The Milli Majlis