Azernews.Az

By Leman Mammadova

World Bank (WB) has introduced its new report on “Women, Business and the Law 2019: A Decade of Reform.”

According to the report, only six countries in the world have achieved gender equality-Belgium, Denmark, France, Latvia, Luxmeburg and Sweden, AZERTAC informs.

For the study, experts assessed the legislative framework of 187 countries, identifying what changes were made there over the past 10 years and how it affected the rights of women.

Eight basic indicators were calculated for assessing legislation: salary, employment, running own business, the management of women's assets, pension benefits, freedom of movement, as well as marriage and having children.

The indicator “having children”, for example, reflects an assessment of laws on maternity, paternity and parental rights, as well as legislation on maternity leave, which may affect the decision of women to start a family.

The World Bank points out that there is a link between the level of economic development and gender equality. 26 countries out of the 39 that scored 90 points and above, are among the countries with the highest level of income - GDP is more than 12 thousand dollars per person per year.

Six leading countries scored on the sum of all aspects of 100 points. The greatest progress in the last 10 years in this area was achieved by France due to the reforms that improved its result by almost 10 points - from 91.88 points in 2009.

Among the former Soviet republics almost each country got a higher score than Russia. Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Belarus, each received 78.75, Kyrgyzstan - 76.88, Kazakhstan - 75.63.

Gender equality is even better in Estonia (97.50), Lithuania (93.75), Moldova (84.38), Georgia (79.38). Among the former Soviet countries Uzbekistan scored less than Russia - 70.63 points.

Syria (34.38), Qatar (32.50), Iran (31.25), Sudan (29.38), United Arab Emirates (29.38) and Saudi Arabia (25.63) close the rankings of 187 countries of the world.

Nowadays, the stereotype that business is a purely male activity and there is no place for female entrepreneurs in it has already been destroyed. In the current market economy, when the country switched to a new model of economic development, the role of women is increasing.

Today, Azerbaijan demonstrates its commitment to gender equality, supporting the efforts of various structures and organizations in this direction. Azerbaijan has joined a number of conventions on gender equality. The country strives to ensure gender equality and empower women in public and social life.

Azerbaijan in recent years has taken major measures to improve the role of women in entrepreneurship. Women hold a special place in the development of entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan. Women’s share in entrepreneurship is 25 percent.

The activity of women is one of the most important indicators of social progress.

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Leman Mammadova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @leman_888

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