On May 23 and 24, 2013, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) hosted a two-day regional workshop on financial and banking sector stability. Representatives from various countries in Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia are participating in the workshop. The workshop discussed the links between the health of a country’s economy and banking sector, and other economic regions such as the Euro zone.
On May 23, the Second Women Leadership Conference was held in Shamkir region by the USAID-funded Women's Participation Program in cooperation with the State Committee on Family, Women and Children's Affairs and the Azerbaijani Confederation of Entrepreneurs. Representatives from government agencies, local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations and media participated in the conference.
The role of women in development is widely recognized as vital for socio-economic development in any society. Yet in many parts of the world women are still challenged by restrictions placed upon their full participation in socio-economic development of their societies. Women in Azerbaijan nominally enjoy the same legal rights as men; however, in certain sections of Azerbaijan society, traditions and social norms prevent them from enjoying their rights and contributing to the economic betterment of family, community and the country’s overall socio-economic development.
Twenty six journalists from Baku and the regions participated in two workshops on “Data Mapping and Online Journalism”, organized in early April. The training was conducted by the Azerbaijan New Media Project (ANMP) funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX).
Young Azerbaijani women with an interest in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) celebrated their achievements at a special event entitled “Girls in ICT Day” in Baku on April 25.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) supported the event that was hosted by IREX. The event highlighted the skills and contributions of young women working in the ICT field. Awards were made to winners of Tech Age Girls (TAG) project. Representatives from local NGOs working on gender issues and from the Ministry of Education participated in the event.
In collaboration with the State Committee for Women in Azerbaijan, USAID provided support through the Women’s Participation Program (WPP) to help sharpen the knowledge and skills of regional employees providing social and psychological assistance to victims of domestic violence.
A series of TV talk-shows with the title “What do Women Want?” is raising public awareness on discrimination against women and promoting women’s participation in political processes.
On February 23-27, 2013, USAID and the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDF) co-sponsored “Gender Academy” training in Oguz, which brought together 30 young civil society activists, comprised of 10 men and 20 women. The aim of the training was to empower women’s active participation in decision-making by strengthening women’s leadership skills. The “Gender Academy” is part of two-year “Establishment of Women’s Center for Raising Public Awareness” initiative funded by UNDF and implemented by “Young Leaders” and “Bridge to the Future”, both Ganja-based civil society organizations.
In cooperation with the Regional Center of the Office of Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Azerbaijan Rights Consortium (ARC) project organized public discussions on “The Right to Legal Assistance: Current Situation and Problems”.
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