Though women in Azerbaijan nominally enjoy the same legal rights as men, gender discrimination is common. Particularly in rural communities, women who appear in public unaccompanied, smoke in public, drive automobiles, or visit certain theaters and restaurants are subject to disapproval.Nichol, James. "The Role of Women". [http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/aztoc.html "Azerbaijan country study"] (Glenn E. Curtis, editor). Library of Congress Federal Research Division (March 1994). "This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain."] Traditional social norms and poor economic conditions continue to restrict women's roles in the economy, and there are reports that women have difficulty exercising their legal rights due to discrimination.

Though the majority of Azerbaijani women have jobs outside the home, women are underrepresented in high-level jobs, including top business positions. As of 2007, there were 14 women in the 125-seat parliament. [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100548.htm Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Azerbaijan (2007)] . United States Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (March 11, 2008). "This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain."] Several women held senior government positions, including deputy speaker of parliament, several deputy ministers, and deputy chair of the Central Election Commission. There are no legal restrictions on the participation of women in politics, although traditional social norms limit women's political roles, and they are underrepresented in elective offices.

Violence against women is a problem in Azerbaijan. The government stated that 86 rapes and attempted rapes were reported during 2007, in connection with which the government criminally charged 66 persons. Most rape victims reportedly knew their assailants but did not report incidents out of fear and shame. Rape is illegal and carries a maximum 15-year prison sentence. In rural areas women have no effective recourse against assaults by their husbands or others; there are no laws on spousal abuse or specific laws on spousal rape. There are no government-sponsored programs for victims of rape or domestic violence. In Baku a women's crisis center operated by the Institute for Peace and Democracy provides free medical, psychological, and legal assistance for women. Representatives of the institute regularly appear on popular television talk shows to discuss women's issues.

Prostitution is an administrative offense rather than a crime and is punishable by a fine of up to $102 (88 AZN). Pimps and brothel owners may be sentenced to prison for up to six years. Prostitution is a serious problem, particularly in Baku.

The law does not directly prohibit sexual harassment.

References

Further reading

* Heyat, Farideh. [http://books.google.com/books?id=4KfqLnqFHfkC "Azeri Women in Transition: Women in Soviet and Post-Soviet Azerbaijan"] . Routledge (2002). ISBN 0700716629.
* [http://www.omct.org/pdf/VAW/2004/Azerbaijan_CESCR33rd.pdf Violence Against Women in Azerbaijan] . World Organisation Against Torture (November 2004). "This report also addresses the status of women generally."