Azerbaijan prohibits female labor in 678 professions in 38 industries

Baku / 25.06.19 / Turan: Azerbaijan introduced bans on female labor in various fields in accordance with the Constitution and international conventions. These restrictions should be lifted or minimized to ensure gender equality. This was the leitmotif of the conference on the topic: "Prohibited areas for women: whether the time has come to eliminate bans", organized by the Foundation for the Development of a Market Economy and USAID (US Agency for International Development).

The event was attended by US Ambassador Lee Litzenberger, Director of USAID Mission in Azerbaijan Singh Zhaydev (Sihgh Jaidev), representatives of government agencies and NGOs.

On October 20, 1999, the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan approved the list of industries, professions (positions) where the work of women is prohibited. In 38 industries, 678 professional and workplaces prohibited female labor. The bans were introduced for reasons of safety, women's health, the danger of these professions, the burden of work, said the head of the Center for Law and Development Hafiz Hasanov.

According to him, bans on a third of professions and jobs for women are unfounded. For example, bans on work in bakeries, confectioneries, canned food, fish and meat processing, in certain sectors of transport and communications, leatherwork, production of musical instruments, etc. are not logical.

US Ambassador Litzenberger said that in many countries of the world, bans on women's work in specific professions and specialties have already been eliminated.

"The elimination of the prohibitions contributed to the development of the economy, the growth of the potential of women. Azerbaijan deserves to fully use the potential of women, who constitute more than 50 percent of the country's population," the diplomat said.

Speaking at the conference, experts noted that the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of 1999 contradicts article 25 of the Constitution of Azerbaijan, according to which women and men have equal rights. According to Article 35, everyone is free to choose his profession and place of work. The resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers also contradicts the international obligations of Azerbaijan. For the UN Convention on the prohibition of discrimination against women in all forms recommends the elimination of discrimination and employment issues. -03B-