Feminist Community Marches for Women’s Rights and Safety in Azerbaijan
Dozens Take to the Streets Demanding Action Against Gender-Based Violence
Rising Violence Against Women and Political Retaliation Sparks Outrage
March Organisers Call for Implementation of Policies and Conventions
Protesters Vow to Continue Fight for Women’s Safety and Rights
Dozens of women, LGBTI+s and supporters of gender equality marched in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, on March 8, demanding an end to violence against women and equal rights for all. The rally was organised by the feminist community in Azerbaijan in honour of International Women’s Day
Dozens Take to the Streets Demanding Action Against Gender-Based Violence
The protest drew a diverse crowd of women, LGBTI+s and supporters of gender equality. Participants held up signs and chanted slogans calling for an end to violence against women, the implementation of policies to improve social welfare and financial support for women from vulnerable groups, and the adoption of the Istanbul Convention to combat violence against women and domestic violence.
Rising Violence Against Women and Political Retaliation Sparks Outrage
The organisers of the march cited a surge in violence against women in the country, with news of the murder of 11 women reported in the media in February alone. In addition, many women are subjected to various forms of violence by the patriarchy, with nine women experiencing physical violence and eight women targeted for murder attempts in February. Women and minors also face political retaliation, putting their lives in danger.
March Organisers Call for Implementation of Policies and Conventions
The rally aimed to raise awareness about the systematic violence and femicides against women in Azerbaijan and put pressure on the government to adopt the Istanbul Convention. The organisers called for the implementation of policies and programs to improve the financial support of women from vulnerable groups and ensure equal rights for everyone regardless of gender and sexual orientation.
Protesters Vow to Continue Fight for Women’s Safety and Rights
The “8 March – We Want to Live!” march drew attention on social media, with some expressing support for the protesters and their demands for equal rights and an end to violence against women. However, many were disapproving, and mentioning government’s narrative “there is no violence against women in Azerbaijan”. The organisers of the march have pledged to continue their fight until their demands are met and women can live safely and free from violence in Azerbaijan.
