Maryam Majidova is the co-founder of the Gender Hub social platform, which brings together advocacy groups, nonprofits, feminists and human rights activists to fight against gender-based violence. The platform also aims to empower women and girls and support them to overcome gender-related challenges.
“I have had to fight against gender stereotypes and discrimination since I was a child, ever since I lost my father. In school and college, when I was successful, people would ask me about the ‘man’ behind me. They cannot accept that a woman can succeed without the support of a man.
I believe that gender stereotypes are harmful to women’s ability to develop personal capacities, pursue careers, and make life choices. I decided to fight against these stereotypes, which unfortunately are dominating all over Azerbaijan.
Sex Center
Young Azerbaijani activists protest against gender stereotypes on International Women’s Day, March 6, 2021.
Changing perception
As a gender activist, trainer and youth policy expert, I have been working on the positive development of youth for about ten years. During this period, I collaborated with international organizations, including the United Nations, on projects that supported women’s participation in public and political life.
According to the National Survey on Violence Against Women in Azerbaijan, 24% of women aged 15-59 have experienced violence by someone other than a partner or a close partner. This is a national issue and should be at the top of the government agenda.
The key to preventing and addressing violence against women is the active participation of men and boys. Men’s speaking out against gender-based violence will also contribute to changing society’s perception of gender roles and patriarchal norms.
UN Azerbaijan
Neftchi FC played one of its league matches wearing an orange jersey with the slogan “Stop Violence Against Women”. November 26, 2021.
Red card for violence against women
To raise awareness of the consequences of gender-based violence and the benefits of a gender-equal society, my colleagues and I organized a series of events across the country, using the hashtag #menengage, a main theme of 2021′16 positive days‘campaign against gender-based violence launched by the UN in Azerbaijan
The United Nations has partnered with an Azerbaijani football team, Neftchi FC, who have agreed to play one of the league’s matches wearing orange jerseys with the slogan “Stop Violence Against Women”. The UN also partnered with domestic influencers who helped spread the slogan through traditional and social media.
Rapid changes can be difficult to achieve with such a deeply rooted cultural and structural problem. However, I am confident that these types of projects will send the right message and help in driving the change we have always dreamed of.
Sometimes companies hire women for quotas, for symbolic inclusivity, but I don’t want to be hired for numbers. I also believe that no one should tell a woman what she deserves, or how she should behave. I simply want women to have the same rights as men.”
