Ombudsman meets Deputy Regional Director of Swiss Cooperation in South Caucasus

The Commissioner received the Deputy Regional Director of Swiss Cooperation in South Caucasus / Deputy Head of Mission Simone Haeberli.

At the meeting, the diplomat was given information about that historical background of the Ombudsman Office established by the country membership to the CoE, the legislative basis of the Ombudsman’s activity,  the directions of the activity of the Office, including protection, promotion and awareness meetings with different strata of population in urban and rural areas of the country, international cooperation with national, regional and international stakeholders, including EU Twinning, Eastern Partnership and TAIEX projects.

“Protecting and promoting women rights along with other rights, ensuring gender equality, restoring violated women rights are attached considerable attention by the Commissioner’s Office and built effective cooperation with the relevant international and regional institutions” added by the Ombudsman. The guest was informed about joint reproductive health and family projects and events women rights protection and gender equality of Azerbaijan Women and Development Center.  “Fight against domestic violence, harmful practices, drug-addiction, AIDS and other infectious diseases pave way for strengthening the family, healthy and decent life” was also stated.   

Range of measures were taken in the country, numerous legislative acts, important state programs and national action plans were adopted, effective bilateral cooperation with relevant international and regional organization was built, active participation of women in Parliament, state and local self-government bodies and decision-making process was ensured and as a result of this systematic approach the rate of women participation in local self-government organizations increased.

During the meeting, the Ombudsman put forward proposals in relation to strengthening and advancing the legislative framework, reducing the economic dependence of women, increasing women's participation in the regions and attention to gender policy, as well as to enhancing their active participation in managerial, decision-making, electoral level and in entrepreneurship. Furthermore, it was noted the importance of implementing consistent and systematic awareness-raising campaigns in urban and rural areas, providing them with preferential loans, strengthening the fight against stereotypes by involving media outlets in this process, preparing publications on women's rights.

Simone Haeberli gave broad information on the activities of the institution she represented in the South Caucasus to promote gender equality. Then, she thanked the Ombudsman for warm reception and expressed her interest in future cooperation in the field of gender equality.