Today, on International Women’s Day, we recognize the vital role women play in shaping just and equitable societies. Yet, in the South Caucasus, many continue to face systemic repression simply for speaking out, defending rights, and reporting the truth.
Women in high-risk professions, journalists, media workers, activists, and human rights defenders are particularly vulnerable. They are subjected to harassment, intimidation, arbitrary detention, and violence. Governments across the region use restrictive laws and judicial persecution to silence those who advocate for equality and justice.
In Azerbaijan, several female journalists have been unjustly imprisoned for carrying out their work, including:
● Sevinj Vagifgizi
● Nargiz Absalamova
● Elnara Gasimova
● Aynur Elgunesh
● Aitaj Ahmadova
● Aysel Umudova
● Khayala Agayeva
● Fatima Movlamli
● Shahnaz Beylerqizi (under house arrest)
These women face inhumane conditions in detention, including mistreatment and lack of proper medical care.
But Azerbaijan is not the only country resorting to such practices. Across the region, activists and independent media workers are targeted for their work, facing smear campaigns and legal persecution while gender-based violence continues to be met with impunity.
In an effort to prevent this from persisting, we call for the immediate release of all imprisoned women journalists, activists, and media workers; essential to fostering a free and open environment for civil society as a whole.
The international community must stand in solidarity with these women, ensuring that those who violate their rights are held accountable, by urging governments to end repression and protect fundamental freedoms.