Azerbaijani MP suggests temporary quota to boost women's presence in diplomacy

A temporary quota could be implemented to increase the number of women in diplomacy in Azerbaijan, a member of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis (Parliament) Nigar Arpadarai said during the discussion of the new draft law On Diplomatic Service, Report.

Arpadarai highlighted the low number of female ambassadors in Azerbaijan:

"I generally oppose quota systems and positive discrimination. However, temporary measures and privileges might be necessary. A temporary quota could help increase the number of women in diplomacy."

The MP also pointed out that some experienced diplomats, who have previously served as ambassadors multiple times, are currently unemployed:

"They lack suitable positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or other related bodies. However, they still want to work, and their experience could be utilized in some capacity."

However, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Sahiba Gafarova, expressed her opposition to the proposal of applying quotas for women: "The issue of quotas might be relevant in countries with gender equality problems. In Azerbaijan, however, gender equality is enshrined in the Constitution."