“It is essential that the idea of equal rights for women and men becomes one of the fundamental values of society for success to be achieved. At the same time, it must be acknowledged that a strong, prosperous, and sustainable society cannot be built without women’s equal participation in all areas of social life and in the decision-making process,” said Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis, in her address at the 2nd Forum of AIPA Women Political Leaders in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Speaker shared her experience with Forum participants as a parliamentarian who has conducted research on gender issues and held numerous positions in international parliamentary organizations focusing on gender equality and combating violence against women.

Recalling that parliaments generally reflect the needs and dynamics of society, Sahiba Gafarova emphasized that they also possess powerful tools to drive change - both within their own structures and across society. Legislative activity, which establishes the necessary frameworks of conduct, is one of the most important of these tools. According to the Speaker, the increasing participation of women in parliaments encourages a more sensitive approach by legislative authorities to gender issues in both representative and administrative spheres. This ensures that women’s perspectives are incorporated into the legislative process, making them key stakeholders in shaping laws and policies.