Baku: Promotion of gender equality has been identified as a key state policy priority in Azerbaijan, with a special emphasis on housing as a strategic element of this agenda. Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, highlighted this during a roundtable at WUF13, APA reports. Muradova underscored the importance of viewing housing not just through urban planning and social welfare lenses but also as a critical factor in gender equality, human rights, and inclusive development.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Muradova remarked that adequate housing is fundamental to human dignity, health, safety, and social inclusion. She pointed out that global systemic problems hinder millions from fully exercising this right. Internally displaced women, elderly women, women with disabilities, and those working informally face heightened vulnerability to gender-based violence due to inadequate housing.

Muradova explained that the lack of safe housing forces women into difficult situations, where they must choose between staying in violent environments or risking poverty and homelessness. This, she noted, illustrates that housing policy is intrinsically linked to human security, social protection, and fundamental rights.

She called for legal and institutional mechanisms at various levels to ensure equal access to land and housing rights for women. Muradova advocated for this approach to be reflected in legislation, credit resource access, social housing programs, financial inclusion, and social protection.

Highlighting Azerbaijan's commitment, Muradova stated that promoting gender equality remains a principal state policy priority. Over the past six years, the State Committee has consistently reported on gender equality to parliament, and a new national action plan has been adopted to advance systematic policy implementation in this field.