As part of ongoing efforts to expand access to public services for women and girls with disabilities, a roundtable meeting was held in the Gazakh district. The event was organized within the framework of the project “Improving Access of Women and Girls with Disabilities to Public Services in Baku, Ganja, Qusar, Quba, and Khachmaz Districts”, implemented by the Disabled Women Society Public Union (DWS PU) with financial support from the UN Trust Fund.

The roundtable took place at the Gazakh District Cultural Center and brought together not only women and girls with disabilities but also representatives of various state institutions. During the discussions, participants focused on issues such as social integration, protection of rights, access to psychological support, employment opportunities, and equal access to social services for this group. Representatives from the Gazakh District Executive Authority, local municipalities, the regional office of the Ombudsman, employment, education, healthcare, and social protection agencies, as well as civil society organizations and community members, attended the event. The roundtable also highlighted proposals for expanding support groups, strengthening local networking, sharing innovative approaches, and mobilizing resources. Participants engaged in an active exchange of views and discussed prospects for deepening mutual cooperation. With the participation of 38 individuals, the meeting served as an important platform to ensure that the voices of women with disabilities are more clearly heard in public discussions and that their rights remain at the center of social attention.

The Disabled Women Society Public Union emphasized once again the importance of organizing such events consistently and sustainably in the regions. The organization noted that regional dialogue platforms play a crucial role in shedding light on the daily challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities and in protecting their rights. At the same time, such events contribute to strengthening cooperation between local executive bodies, social service providers, and the public, fostering mutual understanding and the development of joint solutions. The organization called on all relevant stakeholders to engage more actively in supporting the social integration of women with disabilities, combating discrimination, and ensuring equal opportunities: “Holding such events in the regions is of great importance for strengthening the integration of women with disabilities into society and for ensuring their rights. We invite all relevant institutions to participate more actively in this process,” – stated the Disabled Women Society Public Union.

Disabled Women Society Public Union – Press Service

Gazakh, August 29, 2025