EPIC praises Azerbaijan for improving labour standards, narrowing gender disparities

The Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) has commended Azerbaijan’s recent labour reforms, highlighting progress in aligning national legislation with international standards and strengthening gender equality in employment.

In an article published on its official website, EPIC drew attention to amendments introduced in Azerbaijan aimed at ensuring equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender, Caliber.Az reports.

The coalition said the reforms contribute to reducing gender disparities, while also supporting more inclusive economic growth and improving transparency in wage-setting practices.

According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, the changes form part of broader efforts in recent years to expand women’s participation in the labour market and improve employment opportunities.

EPIC noted that, following the reforms, Azerbaijan’s score in the World Bank’s “Women, Business and the Law” index for 2024 rose from 78.8 to 85. The organisation also said that in the 2026 edition of the ranking, Azerbaijan’s reforms were recognised as one of the notable examples of progress in eliminating gender-based discrimination.

EPIC, which operates under the auspices of the International Labour Organisation and brings together around 80 member countries, promotes equal pay principles globally and provides advisory support to governments and institutions on labour equality policies.

By Aghakazim Guliyev