Until recently, many career paths in Azerbaijan were off-limits to women—not because of ability, but because of outdated laws. In fact, 674 occupations across various sectors were legally reserved for men. These restrictions meant women couldn’t operate heavy machinery, work in mining, or even drive a bus with more than 14 seats in urban areas.
These barriers weren’t based on modern scientific data or workplace realities. Instead, they were inherited from laws rooted in the former Soviet Union. Originally intended to protect women’s health, these rules didn’t account for technological advancements, modern safety standards, or women’s personal agency to choose their profession.
But change is underway. In Noveber 2022, Azerbaijan took a historic step forward by repealing these outdated restrictions. Rather than blanket bans, the country adopted a health risk-based approach—applying restrictions only for pregnant women and new mothers in specific roles that may pose real medical concerns.
This shift not only recognizes women’s rights to pursue any career but also opens the door to broader social and economic transformation. Here’s why that matters—and how Azerbaijan can continue leading the way.
Why Promoting Women in Technical Fields Matters
1. Equal Opportunity Is a Fundamental Right
The principle is simple: access to jobs should be based on skill, not gender. The Constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens, and that includes the right to work in any field. Whether someone wants to drive a bulldozer, lay asphalt, or work as a train operator, what should matter is their qualifications and interest—not their gender.
By lifting outdated legal barriers, Azerbaijan is reinforcing a more just and equitable society—one where everyone has the freedom to choose their career path.
2. Empowering Women Economically
Although women in Azerbaijan often achieve higher levels of education than men, they remain underrepresented in high-paying, technical, or leadership roles. As a result, a significant gender pay gap persists.
Opening up opportunities in previously restricted sectors gives women access to better-paying and more stable jobs, helping to close this gap. Economic empowerment leads to greater independence, improved living standards, and more inclusive growth across the board.
3. A Win for Business and Innovation
Companies that include women in traditionally male-dominated fields benefit from diverse perspectives and innovative thinking. Mixed-gender teams are often more creative, better at problem-solving, and more reflective of the communities they serve.
Additionally, a more inclusive workplace helps businesses attract a wider talent pool and build a stronger brand. Consumers and employees alike value organizations that promote fairness and opportunity.
4. Fueling National Economic Growth
At a national level, increasing women’s participation in the workforce—especially in technical and high-skill roles—drives economic development. In fact, research consistently shows that gender-inclusive economies are more productive and resilient.
Azerbaijan, like many other countries, faces the challenge of sustaining long-term growth through competitive human capital. Encouraging more women into these roles isn’t just about fairness—it’s also smart economics.
Going Beyond Legal Reform: Tackling the Soft Barriers
Repealing discriminatory laws was a powerful first step. But to truly level the playing field, Azerbaijan must address the less visible but deeply rooted “soft” barriers that continue to hold women back.
Cultivating Interest in STEM Fields
To get more women into technical roles, we must start early. Girls need encouragement to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in school. This means:
- Creating inclusive learning environments
- Promoting female role models in STEM
- Offering mentorship and career guidance
- Strengthening partnerships between educational institutions and industries
These efforts help spark curiosity, build confidence, and connect education with real career opportunities.
Improving Workplace Conditions
Beyond recruitment, women must feel safe, respected, and supported once they’re in the workplace. This includes:
- Providing gender-sensitive infrastructure (like proper restrooms and safety gear)
- Enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and violence
- Ensuring equal pay for equal work
- Promoting fair and transparent hiring and promotion processes
These changes benefit everyone by creating a workplace culture based on respect and dignity.
Supporting Work-Life Balance
One of the biggest obstacles women face—especially in technical fields that demand long or irregular hours—is the burden of unpaid care work. Women often carry a disproportionate share of responsibilities at home, including child and elder care.
Solving this requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Encouraging men to take on more equitable roles at home
- Expanding access to affordable, quality child care
- Promoting flexible work arrangements that support both women and men in balancing work and family life
When caregiving is shared and supported, everyone benefits.
Progress Already Underway
Encouragingly, real change is happening on the ground. Across Azerbaijan, public and private sector organizations are stepping up to promote gender inclusion in traditionally male roles.
For example, training programs are being launched to prepare women for careers as train operators, mechanics, and other skilled professions. Human resource practices are being revised to ensure inclusivity, while some employers are offering childcare benefits and taking active steps to recruit and retain more women.
These are not just symbolic gestures—they’re investments in a more dynamic and representative workforce.
Keeping Up the Momentum
The journey toward gender equality in the workforce is far from over—but Azerbaijan has built critical momentum. It’s essential to keep pushing forward, both through policy and practical action.
Recent initiatives focused on occupational safety, gender-based violence prevention, and promoting women in STEM have helped raise awareness and bring together key stakeholders—from industry to academia to government.
Now is the time to deepen those collaborations, replicate successful programs across more sectors, and continually gather data to ensure progress is being made.
A Model for Others
Azerbaijan’s reforms are already inspiring conversations in other countries that still maintain legal restrictions on women’s employment. By grounding its decisions in evidence and health-based risk assessments, Azerbaijan offers a blueprint that others can follow—balancing safety with fairness, and tradition with progress.
Conclusion
Empowering women to work in any profession they choose is not just a matter of law—it’s a matter of justice, growth, and opportunity. By breaking down outdated barriers and addressing the subtle, systemic challenges that persist, Azerbaijan is setting a strong example for how countries can unlock the full potential of their workforce.
