Baku, Azerbaijan– International Women’s Day in Azerbaijan is an important public holiday celebrated on March 8. It’s a time when people honor the women in their lives and acknowledge their contributions to society. This celebration has deep roots going back to the early 20th century when Azerbaijan was part of the Soviet Union. What started as an official holiday during Soviet times has evolved into a day of recognition for women’s achievements.
The history of International Women’s Day itself dates to 1910, when Clara Zetkin proposed the idea at a conference in Copenhagen. The holiday spread to several European countries by 1911, and Russia adopted it by 1913. Azerbaijan, then under Russian rule, soon began observing the day as well. After the formation of the Soviet Union, March 8 became a formal holiday across all Soviet republics, including Azerbaijan. In 1965, it was made a non-working day, which it remains today.
Azerbaijan has consistently been ahead of its time regarding women’s rights. In 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic became the first Muslim-majority nation to give women voting rights, even before many Western countries did. This progressive approach reflected the country’s commitment to gender equality. Another milestone was the establishment of the first secular girls’ school in Baku in 1901, showing Azerbaijan’s dedication to women’s education.
Throughout history, Azerbaijani women have made significant contributions across many fields. In politics, Tahira Tahirova broke barriers as the first woman to serve as Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Azerbaijan SSR (Soviet Socialist Republic). The cultural world saw pioneers like Qamar Salamzade, the first female film director in the Muslim East, and Shovkat Mammadova, Azerbaijan’s first professional opera singer. In science, Sona Velikhan became the first Azerbaijani woman to earn a PhD in medical sciences, specializing in ophthalmology. These women and many others set the stage for future generations and demonstrated the essential role of women in the nation’s development.
In today’s Azerbaijan, International Women’s Day celebrations include thoughtful gestures and festivities. Men typically take over household duties, cook special meals, and give gifts and flowers to the important women in their lives. Families gather to celebrate women, and public events highlight women’s accomplishments across various fields. The day has moved beyond its political origins to become a time for expressing gratitude and respect for women’s societal contributions.
The Azerbaijani government has implemented various measures to support gender equality and women’s rights. The 1995 Constitution established a legal framework for women’s participation in building a democratic state. In 1998, the government created the State Committee on Women’s Problems, which was later reorganized into the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs in 2006. The Law on Gender Equality, adopted in 2006, further strengthened the country’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all genders.
Today, women in Azerbaijan actively participate in public administration, politics, business, and culture. They continue contributing to national development, carrying forward the legacy of their predecessors.
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As this tradition continues in Azerbaijan, the March 8 celebrations reflect the resilience, strength, and achievements of Azerbaijani women. From early 20th century pioneers to today’s leaders, women have been essential in shaping both Azerbaijan’s history and its future. International Women’s Day isn’t just another holiday in Azerbaijan—it’s a celebration of women’s enduring spirit and contributions throughout the country.
