Aida Gasimova, 33, is by any measure an accomplished woman. She holds a degree from an American university, speaks four languages, teaches English and is a composer of Azerbaijani Mugam music. However, life for the resident of Imishli — a town of 33,000 in south central Azerbaijan — hasn’t been easy. Pushed into an early marriage, Gasimova had a child at the age of 18 and shortly after went to work to help support her family. Recently, the IREX f.y.i Center in Imishli invited Gasimova to share her story and discuss gender issues with a group of local girls.
Much of the discussion focused on the consequences of early marriage, which is still common in some regions of Azerbaijan. Gasimova spoke candidly about her own experience growing up in Imishli. “At 13, I was behind in school and envious of smarter students. But I was determined to be one of the best.” At home, Aida had to study secretly in the bathroom to avoid her family. “I had no choice,” she said “my mother wanted me to do all the chores.” In a couple of months her grades improved. “Those few months gave me confidence. They changed my life,” she said.
Even after her success in school, Gasimova faced continued pressure from her family. She wanted to pursue further education, but her brother persuaded the family that she should stay home. “I soon realized mom was not interested in my education either. She wanted me married, as soon as possible.” In desperation, Aida said she attempted suicide twice.
Her parents could not afford her education but managed to afford her dowry. “At 18 I had a son, while my peers were students,” Gasimova said. Her husband was uneducated and unemployed so she had to work to support her new family. Somehow, she found time to study English and to learn Mugam music. Gasimova’s fortune changed when she met someone who helped her apply to a university in America: “It was like a dream.” she told the girls. “I was accepted! My life changed completely.” Gasimova left against the wishes of her family. She left everything behind, her parents, her husband and her own son.
Gasimova concluded her inspiring speech by encouraging the girls to seize the opportunities available to them: “You must take your education seriously. Study hard, go to university, value yourselves and be free. Make your parents understand that school is vital for you. Get their support. Never give up, fight for your right to learn.”
In a country where gender issues are often considered taboo, IREX’s eleven f.y.i. Community Information Centers provide safe spaces for women from Aida Gasimova’s generation to share openly with the next generation. These discussion groups, combined with the free Internet access and training available to local resident, make the Centers a valuable resource and a force for positive change in their communities.