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Azerbaijan

LESSON

Lesson Learned: Creation of Women's Parliament in Azerbaijan

The project increased the capacity of members of the women’s parliament in Azerbaijan through a number of activities including thematic and plenary sessions and various working groups. The selection of these activities reflected well the main gender issues in the country. The women’s parliament members are now represented in various coalitions and settings and have become recognized experts on women’s rights and gender equality. Each of the members utilized her networks and areas of influence for a further promotion of gender equality principles.
Project Partner
Women’s Association for Rational Development
Project Description
The overall purpose of the project was to address gender inequality and improve the situation of women’s rights in Azerbaijan. The establishment of the first Women’s Parliament (WP) – a symbolic model of alternative parliament with the focus on gender equality– served as a vehicle for achieving this goal. The Women’s Parliament was expected to result in four specific project outcomes: opening a discussion space for raising gender-specific issues; enhancing gender equality advocacy; strengthening civil society by facilitating women’s participation; raising awareness of national and international stakeholders on women’s issues. The direct beneficiaries of the project were members of the Women’s Parliament. Indirectly, the project aimed to benefit the female population of Azerbaijan.
Evaluation Date
July 2012
Country
LESSON

Lesson Learned: Creation of Women's Parliament in Azerbaijan

The strong project ownership by the members of the women’s parliament in Azerbaijan created a positive environment for the project to be sustainable. One of the successes, in this regard was selection of which members to work with. The interest and engagement of high-profile international stakeholders strengthened the members’ motivation to maintain their involvement and to utilize lessons learned.
Project Partner
Women’s Association for Rational Development
Project Description
The overall purpose of the project was to address gender inequality and improve the situation of women’s rights in Azerbaijan. The establishment of the first Women’s Parliament (WP) – a symbolic model of alternative parliament with the focus on gender equality– served as a vehicle for achieving this goal. The Women’s Parliament was expected to result in four specific project outcomes: opening a discussion space for raising gender-specific issues; enhancing gender equality advocacy; strengthening civil society by facilitating women’s participation; raising awareness of national and international stakeholders on women’s issues. The direct beneficiaries of the project were members of the Women’s Parliament. Indirectly, the project aimed to benefit the female population of Azerbaijan.
Evaluation Date
July 2012
Country
LESSON

Lesson Learned: Creation of Women's Parliament in Azerbaijan

A lesson learned from the Women’s Forum – a predecessor of the woman’s parliament - was the need for a coordinated media outreach strategy. However, this lesson was not systematically incorporated into the design of the Women’s Parliament. As a result the women’s parliament was not fully effective in gaining recognition among the female population of Azerbaijan.
Project Partner
Women’s Association for Rational Development
Project Description
The overall purpose of the project was to address gender inequality and improve the situation of women’s rights in Azerbaijan. The establishment of the first Women’s Parliament (WP) – a symbolic model of alternative parliament with the focus on gender equality– served as a vehicle for achieving this goal. The Women’s Parliament was expected to result in four specific project outcomes: opening a discussion space for raising gender-specific issues; enhancing gender equality advocacy; strengthening civil society by facilitating women’s participation; raising awareness of national and international stakeholders on women’s issues. The direct beneficiaries of the project were members of the Women’s Parliament. Indirectly, the project aimed to benefit the female population of Azerbaijan.
Evaluation Date
July 2012
Country
LESSON

Lesson Learned: Creation of Women's Parliament in Azerbaijan

Gender related themes cover a huge range of issues from domestic violence to early marriage. While they may be linked pursuing each of them in-depth, would enhance the comprehensiveness of the project objectives and society-wide impact. The thematic coverage by the Women’s Parliament was too broad.
Project Partner
Women’s Association for Rational Development
Project Description
The overall purpose of the project was to address gender inequality and improve the situation of women’s rights in Azerbaijan. The establishment of the first Women’s Parliament (WP) – a symbolic model of alternative parliament with the focus on gender equality– served as a vehicle for achieving this goal. The Women’s Parliament was expected to result in four specific project outcomes: opening a discussion space for raising gender-specific issues; enhancing gender equality advocacy; strengthening civil society by facilitating women’s participation; raising awareness of national and international stakeholders on women’s issues. The direct beneficiaries of the project were members of the Women’s Parliament. Indirectly, the project aimed to benefit the female population of Azerbaijan.
Evaluation Date
July 2012
Country
LESSON

Lesson Learned: Creation of Women's Parliament in Azerbaijan

The flagship initiative of the Women’s Parliament project was a report on discrimination against women. However this report did not have much impact since there was no lobbying/advocacy strategy. It would also have been more effective with a proactive approach towards building alliances with other similar projects in Azerbaijan. Efforts should be increased to convince concerned NGOs for submitting only one synthesized Shadow Report to CEDAW. Speaking in a common voice would increase leverage both towards CEDAW and the government.
Project Partner
Women’s Association for Rational Development
Project Description
The overall purpose of the project was to address gender inequality and improve the situation of women’s rights in Azerbaijan. The establishment of the first Women’s Parliament (WP) – a symbolic model of alternative parliament with the focus on gender equality– served as a vehicle for achieving this goal. The Women’s Parliament was expected to result in four specific project outcomes: opening a discussion space for raising gender-specific issues; enhancing gender equality advocacy; strengthening civil society by facilitating women’s participation; raising awareness of national and international stakeholders on women’s issues. The direct beneficiaries of the project were members of the Women’s Parliament. Indirectly, the project aimed to benefit the female population of Azerbaijan.
Evaluation Date
July 2012
Country
LESSON

Lesson Learned: Creation of Women's Parliament in Azerbaijan

The flagship initiative of the Women’s Parliament project was a report on discrimination against women. However this report did not have much impact since there was no lobbying/advocacy strategy.
Project Partner
Women’s Association for Rational Development
Project Description
The overall purpose of the project was to address gender inequality and improve the situation of women’s rights in Azerbaijan. The establishment of the first Women’s Parliament (WP) – a symbolic model of alternative parliament with the focus on gender equality– served as a vehicle for achieving this goal. The Women’s Parliament was expected to result in four specific project outcomes: opening a discussion space for raising gender-specific issues; enhancing gender equality advocacy; strengthening civil society by facilitating women’s participation; raising awareness of national and international stakeholders on women’s issues. The direct beneficiaries of the project were members of the Women’s Parliament. Indirectly, the project aimed to benefit the female population of Azerbaijan.
Evaluation Date
July 2012
Country
LESSON

Lesson Learned: Creation of Women's Parliament in Azerbaijan

The project focused on creating a wider and long-lasting impact by producing the CEDAW Shadow Report for Azerbaijan which can possibly influence the legislature in the country. While the grantee focused its advocacy on this report,  it remains uncertain to which extent the report will be taken on board.
Project Partner
Women’s Association for Rational Development
Project Description
The overall purpose of the project was to address gender inequality and improve the situation of women’s rights in Azerbaijan. The establishment of the first Women’s Parliament (WP) – a symbolic model of alternative parliament with the focus on gender equality– served as a vehicle for achieving this goal. The Women’s Parliament was expected to result in four specific project outcomes: opening a discussion space for raising gender-specific issues; enhancing gender equality advocacy; strengthening civil society by facilitating women’s participation; raising awareness of national and international stakeholders on women’s issues. The direct beneficiaries of the project were members of the Women’s Parliament. Indirectly, the project aimed to benefit the female population of Azerbaijan.
Evaluation Date
July 2012
Country
LESSON

Lesson Learned: Underpinning and developing the democratic electoral processes in Azerbaijan

The project was relevant to the needs of Azerbaijan because (i) three elections were scheduled during the implementation period, (ii) voter participation has been low, particularly women’s participation, and (iii) especially in rural regions, women’s participation in social and political life is limited.
Project Partner
Center Women and Modern World (CWMW)
Project Description
The project was conducted by Center Women and Modern World (CWMW) in partnership with Baku Volunteer Center (BVC), and New Shamakhi Foundation (NSHF). The project was directed promote democratic values and mobilize women for participation in elections. I’s primary focus was on involving women in elections with journalists and local NGO heads as secondary beneficiaries. The project was carried out in 10 regions located close to Shamakhi, which is three hours’ drive outside the capital Baku.
Evaluation Date
August 2010
Country
LESSON

Lesson Learned: Underpinning and developing the democratic electoral processes in Azerbaijan

The decision to work in rural districts in Azerbaijan located reasonably close to Baku was a good one, as the needs for women’s empowerment outside the capital are greatest. Directly supporting a local NGO with no Baku base represented an innovative move
Project Partner
Center Women and Modern World (CWMW)
Project Description
The project was conducted by Center Women and Modern World (CWMW) in partnership with Baku Volunteer Center (BVC), and New Shamakhi Foundation (NSHF). The project was directed promote democratic values and mobilize women for participation in elections. I’s primary focus was on involving women in elections with journalists and local NGO heads as secondary beneficiaries. The project was carried out in 10 regions located close to Shamakhi, which is three hours’ drive outside the capital Baku.
Evaluation Date
August 2010
Country
LESSON

Lesson Learned: Underpinning and developing the democratic electoral processes in Azerbaijan

Training recipients interviewed expressed the view that they became more aware of and interested in politics as a result of trainings, and the grantee reports that several training participants became candidates. One trainee interviewed was motivated to become an election observer.
Project Partner
Center Women and Modern World (CWMW)
Project Description
The project was conducted by Center Women and Modern World (CWMW) in partnership with Baku Volunteer Center (BVC), and New Shamakhi Foundation (NSHF). The project was directed promote democratic values and mobilize women for participation in elections. I’s primary focus was on involving women in elections with journalists and local NGO heads as secondary beneficiaries. The project was carried out in 10 regions located close to Shamakhi, which is three hours’ drive outside the capital Baku.
Evaluation Date
August 2010
Country