US Ambassador to our country, Ann Derse: “Union will make efforts to provide equality between men and women”

Recently at the international press center a presentation of first Azerbaijani Union of Women-Lawyers was held with the financial support of USAID and American Association of Lawyers on legal initiative in Central Europe and Eurasia (ABA/ CEELI). As the US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Ann Derse, declared, long-term democratic development is the main condition for independence, peace and prosperity of Azerbaijan. According to her, a transparent governing system and strong democratic institutions may be useful for Azerbaijan for controlling energetic income: “Democracy is based on 5 basic elements: supremacy of law, strong political process, freedom of press, respect of human rights, authorized and educated citizens. In turn, important economic reforms depend on supremacy of law. No system can use its whole potential if it fails to use whole human resources. The increase of women’s authority in economic, political and social life and efficient participation of women in all ongoing processes represents one of US priorities. With this purpose, USAID rendered assistance to create Union of Women-Lawyers which, resting upon the supremacy of law and right, will endeavor to provide equal rights between the two sexes.”

The Ambassador stressed that lawyers’ talent and skills can be used not depending on their sex. According to her, the created structure will assist women to solve current problems: “The Union will mainly serve as significant source of legal knowledge for women. The creation of this kind of union is the result of intensive efforts of many years. I’m convinced that the said organization will contribute in implementation of social and democratic reforms in Azerbaijan and will turn into a respected structure”.

As chairman of the above structure, Sabina Gakhramanova noted, while pointing out that in November 2006 with the support of the OSCE Baku office and other structures, an  international conference of women-lawyers was held for the first time in Azerbaijan, that the main purpose of creation of this organization is protection of the rights of women, their solidarity, and rendering them assistance in the achievement of international law-making experience: “We have prepared a Regulation and presented it to Ministry of Justice. Moreover, for realization of all the above-mentioned principles, we will make set of proposals which will be presented to Milli Mejlis”.

Source: Women-Lawyers Union Created, NGO “Right of Choice”, May 21, 2007