Female activists in Baku speak out against gender inequality

On March 8, participants of a feminist rally in Baku tried to draw attention to the gender discrimination, including domestic violence and early marriages. Some of the passers-by supported their slogans. The march was a success, despite the dispersal, the organizing committee of the action believes.

More than 20 people were detained at the action.

Some Baku women supported the activists. "Girls face problems in many areas – from selecting a profession to choosing a life partner. It is accepted that these issues should be decided by parents, while girls should humbly obey," said Samira Guseinova.

According to Mekhriban Salimova, cases are widespread when a girl gets married and "in a new family turns into a servant not only for her husband, but also for his parents."

Sevda Mirzoeva, a resident of Baku, has noted that she is worried about the problems of domestic violence. "There is a very dangerous stereotype that if a woman is beaten up, then there are good reasons," she said.

Shakhla Ismail, the head of the Society "Women for Rational Development", has noted that in recent years the situation with women's rights is changing for the better. According to her story, now all cases of violence against women, which have become public, are being investigated.

In general, according to the activist, the situation with women's rights is still alarming, given the killings and suicides of women because of domestic violence.

According to Tozu Gulmamedli, an activist, Azerbaijani families strive to marry their daughters off as early as possible in order to get rid of responsibility for her.