Analysis of Gender Equality among Officials of State Political Institutions in Azerbaijan

This study examines the current state of gender equality in leadership positions in political and public institutions in Azerbaijan, particularly the reasons for the underrepresentation of women in senior management and decision-making positions. Despite the existence of legal and institutional mechanisms aimed at ensuring gender equality, women’s participation in leadership positions in political institutions is still limited. The study was conducted based on a qualitative descriptive methodology, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten employees (six men and four women) working in various government institutions in Azerbaijan, as well as through document analysis. The results show that traditional gender roles, family responsibilities, patriarchal cultural values, weak institutional support, and persistent gender stereotypes create serious obstacles for women to advance to leadership positions. The study also highlights the role of social attitudes and male perspectives in perpetuating gender inequality and reveals that education, awarenessraising, family support, and institutional reforms are crucial in ensuring gender balance.