On March 7, a panel discussion on the topic “Common Goal: Protecting Women’s Rights in Public and Digital Spaces” was organized in partnership with the Embassy of France in Azerbaijan, the Institut Français d'Azerbaïdjan, Gender & Media Watch, and the Kitabistan Research Center.

The panel discussion was moderated by Malak Hajiyeva, co-founder of the Kitabistan Research Center and founder of Gender & Media Watch. The speakers included Ambassador of France to Azerbaijan, H.E Sophie Lagoutte, Ambassador of Mexico, H.E Maria Victoria Romero Caballero, and Ambassador of Sweden H.E  Tobias Lorentzson, who delivered remarks and shared their countries’ experiences in protecting women’s rights and promoting gender equality in public and digital spaces.

Opening the event with welcoming remarks on the occasion of International Women’s Rights Day, the moderator expressed her gratitude to the Embassy of France in Azerbaijan and the Institut Français d'Azerbaïdjan for their support and partnership in organizing the event.

Drawing attention to global statistics on violence against women, Malak Hajiyeva noted that according to the 2025 report of the United Nations, one in three women worldwide experiences violence at some point in her life. Addressing the purpose of the panel, the moderator emphasized that if we want to solve the problem, we must go beyond simply describing it; we must also learn from effective practices. For this reason, the panel discussion was dedicated to exploring effective mechanisms and policies implemented in France, Sweden, and Mexico.

During the discussion, Ambassador Sophie Lagoutte stated that legislation adopted in France to combat street harassment has been further strengthened in recent years. According to her, the mechanism adopted in 2018 and known as the “Schiappa law” was updated in 2024 and reinforced with stricter penalties. However, she emphasized that a legal mechanism does not mean the complete resolution of the problem.

“We see that even if we have a great legal framework, it is only the first step; it doesn't necessarily change the reality for women on the street, it doesn't necessarily lead to a lot of legal actions, but I think what is very important is, you mentioned it, it is a signal,” she said.

In her remarks, Ambassador of Mexico, Maria Victoria Romero Caballero, spoke about the “Olympia Law”, adopted in her country to combat digital violence. The ambassador stated that the law criminalizes the distribution of intimate photos and videos without consent and prescribes prison sentences ranging from three to six years for such acts. According to her, the law is not only a punitive mechanism but also a legal step that contributes to behavioral change in society.

Ambassador Romero Caballero added that several other legal mechanisms have also been adopted in Mexico to combat violence against women, including the “Monse Law,” “Ingrid Law,” and “Malena Law.” These laws provide for the punishment of individuals who conceal femicides, the protection of victims’ personal information, and the criminalization of attacks involving corrosive chemicals.

Ambassador of Sweden, Tobias Lorentzson spoke about Sweden’s 2024-2026 Action Programme to Combat Violence Against Women. According to him, the programme includes 132 measures implemented at national, regional, and municipal levels and aims to create a balance between preventing violence against women and strengthening response mechanisms.

Ambassador Lorentzson also noted that special attention is given to preventive measures within the programme and that schools play an important role in raising awareness among young people about gender equality and digital safety.

During the panel discussion, the speakers answered questions from the audience and exchanged views on the growing gender-based hate speech on digital platforms, the safety of women in public and digital spaces, and the legal and institutional mechanisms implemented by governments in this field.

At the end of the event, the panelists emphasized that ensuring women’s safe participation in both public and digital spaces requires not only legal mechanisms but also awareness-raising and strong institutional cooperation.
 

09.03.2026