The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation in Azerbaijan

Why we work in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan and Armenia have been in conflict since the late 1980s, primarily as a result of the status of the Nagorno-Karabakh region. As a result of the conflict, over half a million people are internally displaced in Azerbaijan, often living under challenging circumstances. Following the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020 and the Azerbaijani military operation of September 2023, which led to Azerbaijan gaining control of the entire territory and the displacement to Armenia of the ethnic Armenian population, no lasting peace has been reached. Peace talks so far have almost entirely excluded women, as have the discussions of the resettlement of regained territories. Those living in border areas continue to be deeply affected by the day-to-day impacts of the conflict—untreated trauma from previous escalations and wars, and a fear of renewed hostilities.

The country struggles with femicide, sex-selective abortion, forced marriage and increasing instances of child marriage. Violence against women is a major problem, especially in communities affected by conflict. Victims have very little recourse to help and few dare to report.

Azerbaijan has adopted several women’s rights laws, but mechanisms for implementation and monitoring are lacking; a National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security has been in development for several years. but has not been adopted and little information is available to the public.