Many shopping centers and public places in Baku have specially equipped rooms for mothers and babies. These spaces are designed for the comfortable feeding of infants and diaper changing. However, there is a noticeable gap in infrastructure – similar facilities for fathers who care for children are virtually non-existent.
Oxu.az journalist conducted a sociological survey among the city’s residents to explore public opinion on this issue.
The respondents were asked the question: “Would you like a room for both parents?”
Opinions were divided: some supported the idea of creating universal parental rooms, calling it a progressive step, while others expressed more conservative views, arguing that existing rooms for mothers and children are sufficient.
Psychologist-psychotherapist Saida Akhmedova emphasized the socio-psychological aspect of the problem.
“The existence of rooms exclusively for mothers and babies sends the wrong message to society that child care is predominantly a female responsibility. This reinforces outdated gender stereotypes and can negatively affect fathers’ involvement in the upbringing process,” she explained.
Legal expert Alimamed Nuriyev provided a legal assessment of the situation. According to him, the current practice could be seen as contradictory to the fundamental principle of equality.
“In the future, we may expect the emergence of a new term in this field that reflects the equal rights and responsibilities of both parents,” said the lawyer.
