On February 27, the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs organized a conference dedicated to the topic of "Promotion of Women's Participation."
The event, held within the framework of the "Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty," was attended by government and state representatives, members of parliament, civil society members, and public and political figures.
The conference commenced with the performance of the National Anthem of Azerbaijan, followed by a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of the country.
Speaking at the conference, the Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs, Ms. Bahar Muradova, emphasized that the Azerbaijani people have long aspired to have an independent state and have continuously fought for this goal. Despite facing wars, pressures, and threats along the way, they never abandoned their aspiration and steadily advanced in building an independent state.
She noted that the existence of the independent Azerbaijani state today is an undeniable fact. Although Azerbaijan has had a relatively short period of independence, it has already distinguished itself with its independent political will, firm stance, and activities based on legal principles. Azerbaijan has established its security and protection of citizens' rights, socio-economic development, and relations with regional and global countries in accordance with international standards.
Ms. Bahar Muradova emphasized that Azerbaijan, as an independent state, stands out with its unique characteristics, and the international community consistently acknowledges this.
It was highlighted that Azerbaijan has affirmed its independence through historical struggles and actions. By establishing the first democratic republic in the East, Azerbaijan became a pioneer of many innovations in the Islamic world. As an independent Islamic country, Azerbaijan advances along a path of sustainable development while remaining committed to both its national and moral values as well as the principles of secularism and modernity.
Chairman of the Legal Policy and State Building Committee of the National Assembly (Milli Majlis), Mr. Ali Huseynli, stated that what distinguishes Azerbaijani women is their special status within the Eastern and Muslim world. The Declaration of Independence, adopted during the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic era, can be considered the first step toward constitutionalism in the country. The foundation of the idea of secularism in Azerbaijan was laid in the early 20th century, and since then, special importance has been attached to women's participation in socio-political life.
Mr. Ali Huseynli also spoke about significant historical events related to women's participation. He underlined that the appointment of Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva as First Vice President was a turning point in this field. The process has continued, and today, women's active participation is ensured at all levels of government institutions.
In conclusion, he stated that one of the factors distinguishing the Azerbaijani people from other Muslim and Turkic-speaking nations is their commitment to the principles of secularism. This principle forms the foundation of the Azerbaijani Constitution, and over the years, the country has maintained these values while continuing its path of development. Mr. Huseynli expressed confidence that strong steps would continue to be taken in this direction in the future.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation (AHIK), Mr. Sahib Mammadov, highlighted the pride in the fact that Azerbaijan was the first country in the Eastern world to grant women the right to vote. He noted that in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and some European nations, this right was recognized only after Azerbaijan. Even France, which presents itself as a democratic country, granted women the right to vote only in 1944.
He emphasized that the foundation of modern Azerbaijan's women's policy was laid by National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The protection of women's rights and the enhancement of their social and political activism were always among his priorities. Women play a crucial role in strengthening Azerbaijan's independence, safeguarding its territorial integrity, building a legal and democratic state, and ensuring economic progress.
Mr. Sahib Mammadov stressed that the leader of the modern women's movement in Azerbaijan, First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, has significantly contributed to enhancing the country’s international reputation. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation, under her leadership, implements large-scale projects in charity, humanitarian, and cultural fields. The foundation’s activities play a crucial role in promoting Azerbaijani realities and culture worldwide. The work carried out by Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva serves as an exemplary model of dedicated service to the state and nation, human rights protection, gender equality promotion, and the encouragement of healthy family relationships.
As part of the conference, a panel session titled "Sustainability in Equality – The Main Goal of Our Constitutional Development Path" was moderated by Judge of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ceyhun Garacayev. During the session, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Azerbaijan, Mr. Anar Karimov, delivered a presentation on "The Right to Equal Pay – Reality and Prospects." Member of Parliament, Mr. Mubariz Gurbanli, spoke on "Equal Representation in Leadership and Decision-Making Positions," while Deputy Head of the Department for Sustainable Development and Social Policy at the Ministry of Economy, Ms. Arzu Tairguliyeva, presented on "Sustainable and High Economic Growth: Equal Opportunities for Welfare and Development."
Another panel session, titled "A Strong Family Institution is the Unshakable Foundation of a Strong State and a Harmonious Society," was moderated by Executive Director of the Center for Economic Reforms Analysis and Communication of Azerbaijan, Mr. Vusal Gasimli. During the panel, Member of Parliament, Mr. Tahir Mirkishili, discussed "The Development of Human Capital in the Context of State and Society." Another Member of Parliament, Mr. Parvin Karimzade, spoke on "The Role and Place of the Family Institution in Strengthening Civic Solidarity," while Head of the Legal Support and Human Rights Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Azerbaijan, Ms. Aynur Osmanova, delivered a presentation titled "The Family Institution: A Harmonious Relationship System Connecting Society and the State."
The conference continued with discussions.
