Women account for 50.2% of the total population of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Compared to previous years, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of women per 1,000 men. This is stated in the approved National Action Plan on Ensuring Gender Equality in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026–2028.
Thus, while this indicator stood at 1,046 in 2000, it had fallen to 1,009 by 2024. As of January 1, 2025, women made up 48.4% of the total employed population, while men accounted for 51.6%. Among the economically active population, women represented 48.0% and men 52.0%. Notably, 17.3% of employed women and 17.0% of employed men have higher education. At the same time, women constitute 55.6% of the unemployed. The unemployment rate among women stands at 6.1%, compared to 4.6% among men.
There are also significant differences in wages between male and female employees. In 2024, the average nominal monthly wage of women amounted to 791.1 manats, while for men it was 1,159.9 manats. Whereas in 2015 the average nominal monthly wage of women equaled 53.9% of that of men, by 2024 this ratio had increased to 68.2%.
The adoption in 2006 of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On Guarantees of Gender Equality (Men and Women)” established the legal and practical foundations for the formation of state gender policy, enhancing the role of women in the political, social, economic, and cultural life of the country. Over the past period, substantial steps have been taken to build an inclusive society that ensures equal representation and participation of both sexes, promotes gender culture, and eliminates gender disparities in specific areas.
