UNFPA Azerbaijan marks the International Women's Day 2007 Every year since its establishment in Azerbaijan in the year 1994, office of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has raised public awareness about important population and development issues. Celebrating the International Women's Day, 8 March is among such opportunities when we can call for stronger commitment and actions on the way of ensuring gender equality and advancement of women. On 6 Mart 2007, UNFPA in collaboration with the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs organized the Exhibition /sale of articles of art produced by disabled women and a concert of young talented musicians to commemorate the International Women's Day, 8 March. The exhibition held at the State Philharmonic Hall included handicrafts, paintings, carpets, bijouterie and other articles that were presented by NGOs for disabled women as well as articles produced by disabled girls. The social action called for better protection of women's rights, elimination of gender-based violence, and advancement of women. The statements of the UN Secretary General and UNFPA Executive Director were distributed to the participants. The audience also watched the video clip on development of gender policy in the Azerbaijan. Chairwoman of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs Ms. Hijran Husseynova, the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Bruno Pouezat, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mr. Abulfas Garayev and Minister of Youth and Sport Mr. Azad Ragimov addressed the audience which included parliamentarians, senior government officials, representatives of diplomatic corps, civil society, UN agencies, international organizations, private sector, universities and mass-media. In her opening remarks, Ms. Hijran Husseynova highlighted the importance of women's participation in the country's development, promotion of gender equality on national and grass root level as well as elimination of gender stereotypes within Azerbaijani families. She expressed her gratitude to the United Nations, and UNFPA in particular, for joining the Government in commemorating the International Women's Day and stressing the role of women participation in the life of society. According to Ms. Husseynova, the Government of Azerbaijan accepts gender equality as the main principle in developing country strategies and policies. "I call our women to benefit from favorable conditions created in our country, increase their capacities, take initiatives and be active. Being state body we will continue supporting Azerbaijani women", said the Chairwoman. Mr. Bruno Pouezat, UN Resident Coordinator, in his remarks highlighted the importance of this year IWD theme, "Ending impunity for violence against women". Mr. Pouezat also stressed that violence against women is the most common but least punished crime in the world and in this regards "we have to break silence and denial and ensure full legal protection of women form violence and ensuring that violence cannot tale place without punishment" . Welcoming remarks were followed with the congratulation speeches of the ministers, cultural figures. The official ceremony continued with concert of young talented musicians - laureates and winners of music national and international festivals and contests. For more information: Ms. Abaszade Nigina Gender and Advocacy Coordinator Tel: 498 98 88 (ext. 123) Photo gallery

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