Addressing the 2nd Forum of AIPA Women Political Leaders in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova shared detailed information on the experience of the Azerbaijani parliament and the country’s achievements in gender policy. She emphasized that Azerbaijan is fully committed to protecting women’s rights and ensuring their active participation in decision-making.

Gafarova recalled that Azerbaijan, ahead of most European countries, granted women the right to vote in 1918. She noted that following the September 2024 elections, women secured 26 out of 125 seats in parliament, marking an increase compared to the previous term.

She highlighted that women MPs now serve on the majority of parliamentary committees, ensuring their opinions are considered in all issues under parliamentary regulation. The Speaker also outlined Azerbaijan’s initiatives and activities on gender matters within international parliamentary organizations.