The State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan
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A training session on the topic “Family and Gender-Oriented Policies: Benefits for Individuals, Organizations, and Society” has been held
A training session on the topic “Family and Gender-Oriented Policies: Benefits for Individuals, Organizations, and Society” is being held under the organization of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs. The training, which covers the dates of April 14–16, 2025, is attended by officials responsible for gender issues from government agencies and local executive authorities. In her opening speech, Sadaqat Gahramanova, the Deputy Chair of the State Committee, provided information about the purpose and agenda of the training. She stated that the aim of conducting such training is to improve the work of officials responsible for gender issues, to ensure effective networking among them, and to clearly define their powers and responsibilities in the implementation of laws and policies in the field of gender equality. Ms. Gahramanova also noted that the State Committee annually presents a report on the implementation of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On Ensuring Gender Equality (Equal Rights for Men and Women)” to the Milli Majlis (National Assembly), and that relevant government agencies contribute information to this report. For this reason, she emphasized the importance of gender officials being constantly prepared on these matters. She further highlighted that gender relations are first formed within the family, and spoke about the importance of equal participation of parents in the upbringing and development of children. At the same time, she stressed the significance of appointing gender focal points at the level of deputy heads responsible for social issues within local executive authorities. The training continued with a presentation by Shams Mustafayeva, an independent expert.
Events Held in Regions to Promote Family Values and Traditions
From April 7 to 11, 2025, awareness-raising meetings were held by the Child and Family Support Centers under the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs in Aghdam, Shuvelan, Saatli, Sabirabad, Hajiqabul, Qabala, Ismayilli, Zardab, Zaqatala, Goranboy, and Goygol. These meetings were organized with the participation of center staff, representatives from district executive authorities, institutions and organizations, youth, young families, and community members, with the aim of promoting family values and traditions among the population, especially the youth. Speakers at the events highlighted the importance of family values, the formation and preservation of the family institution, and the efforts being made in this direction across the country. It was noted that for a family to be strong and healthy, it is essential to establish open and honest communication within the family, spend quality time together, be understanding and respectful toward one another, offer mutual support, and share roles and responsibilities. Presentations and social videos related to the topic were shown during the events, and participants’ questions were answered.
Meetings Held on the Topic: “Gender Equality Begins in the Womb! Say NO to Gender-Based Child Selection!”
As part of ongoing awareness efforts to prevent sex selection before birth, the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, with the support of the Ministry of Education and the participation of an expert from the Ministry of Health, held meetings with students on April 8, 2025, at the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical College; on April 9, 2025, at the Shusha Humanitarian College; and on April 11, 2025, at the College of Arts under the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts. The meetings were attended by Kamila Aliyeva, Deputy Head of the Family Affairs Department of the State Committee, and Zumrud Kazimova, medical methodologist from the Public Health and Reforms Center of the Ministry of Health. During the discussions, participants were informed about efforts in the country aimed at eliminating gender stereotypes that favor male children in families and achieving a biologically balanced sex ratio at birth. The negative impact of induced abortion on women’s reproductive and psychological health, as well as modern methods of preventing unwanted pregnancies, were also discussed. In total, approximately 300 adolescents and young people participated in these sessions.
Awareness Events Held to Raise Awareness on the Harmful Effects of Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances
From April 7 to 11, 2025, Child and Family Support Centers operating under the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs in Aghdam, Shuvelan, Saatli, Sabirabad, Hajiqabul, Qabala, Ismayilli, Zardab, Zaqatala, Goranboy, and Goygol held awareness events to increase knowledge about the harmful effects of narcotic and psychotropic substances. The events were attended by representatives from local executive authorities, district police departments, expert groups from the centers, members of the Child Ambassadors Assembly from the respective regions, teachers, students, university students, and parents. Experts speaking at the events discussed the consequences of drug addiction. It was emphasized that narcotic and psychotropic substances cause psychological and physical changes once they enter the body and may lead to addiction. These substances affect brain function and the entire body, gradually causing permanent damage to organs and creating mental and behavioral issues. This in turn negatively impacts personal relationships, education, social life, and professional development. Schoolchildren were encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle and focus on developing their knowledge and skills. Parents were advised to build trusting relationships with their children, ensure a safe environment, and support their children’s psychological well-being by staying actively involved in their lives and concerns. Presentations and video materials related to the topic were shown during the events, participants' questions were answered, and educational materials were distributed.
Chairperson of the State Committee meets with citizens in Astara
On April 11, 2025, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, Bahar Muradova, held a meeting with citizens in Astara district. The event began with a respectful tribute to the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. During the meeting, residents of Lankaran city, Lerik, and Astara districts presented their appeals. The issues raised included alimony payments, legal assistance, employment, medical treatment, property division, and other concerns. The meeting was also attended by the head of a relevant structural department of the State Committee. Instructions were given to thoroughly examine and promptly resolve the issues raised. Appeals requiring further investigation were registered and taken under review. It should be noted that the meeting was held in accordance with the schedule for citizen receptions by heads of central executive authorities and other management bodies in cities and districts.
IV "Children's Book Festival" Held in Baku
On April 10, 2025, the 4th Children’s Book Festival was held with the joint organization of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Culture, and the “Azerbaijan Publishers Association” Public Union (ANAIB). The festival began with the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by a moment of silence in memory of the martyrs who gave their lives for the homeland. In his opening speech, Shamil Sadiq, the Chairman of ANAIB welcomed the participants and spoke about the development of children’s publishing in Azerbaijan over the past four years. He emphasized the growing interest of publishers in the festival and expressed his delight at the active participation of children. He highlighted the role of books in shaping children's intelligence, broadening their worldview, and supporting their mental development. Ms. Bahar Muradova, the Chair of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, greeted the festival participants—especially the children—and wished them success. She recalled the rich history and proud past of the Azerbaijani people, stating: “Today, Azerbaijan is rising from its Victory, moving toward a brighter and more magnificent future. This future is growing today within our families, represented by our children who symbolize our hope for tomorrow. The children of Victory are preparing for new achievements.” Speaking on the importance of festivals that promote reading and foster a love of books among children, B. Muradova praised the efforts made to ensure the continuity of such events and thanked the organizers. “When authors, publishers, and printing houses collaborate to hold these kinds of events, it makes a significant contribution to inter-agency cooperation. Through this, we establish strong connections between educational institutions, families, and society,” she added. Calling books the closest and most valuable creation of humankind, B. Muradova emphasized that loyalty to books is also a reflection of loyalty to oneself and one's values. She addressed the importance of the content of children's books and the values and knowledge they convey. She stressed the need to ensure that these books are age-appropriate and psychologically suitable, especially considering that children’s exposure to information begins at an increasingly early age. Ms. Elnara Akimova, Member of Parliament noted in her speech that book festivals have become a tradition in the country over the past ten years. She emphasized that reading should become a way of life for everyone, and festivals play a vital role in achieving this goal. She stated that the Children’s Book Festival, now in its fourth edition, aims to support children's development and education. “Through this festival, children interact with books, meet writers, and experience books as a form of entertainment.” She also highlighted the recent trend of including age restrictions on book covers, emphasizing the importance of this age labeling. Ms. Mehriban Valiyeva, the another Member of Parliament, expressed her satisfaction with the continuity of the Children's Book Festival and noted that over the course of the four days, children would enjoy a joyful and engaging celebration centered around books. She pointed out that one of the most important aspects of the festival is the inclusion of book donation boxes, which help develop a book-buying culture among children by showing them they can purchase books even with a small amount of money. M. Valiyeva appealed to parents, urging them to serve as role models by reading books at home. She emphasized the critical role of parents and such festivals in instilling a love for books in children, especially at a time when social media has become a dominant part of children’s lives. The festival continued with musical performances by children. It should be noted that the four-day festival will feature the sale of thousands of children’s books at discounted prices, presentations by renowned authors, book signing sessions, entertaining puppet shows, intellectual masterclasses, fun competitions, reading hours, and theatrical performances for children.
Awareness Meeting on the Negative Consequences of Early and Consanguineous Marriages Held with Students of Azerbaijan Finance-Economics College
On April 10, 2025, as part of a series of ongoing awareness meetings organized by the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs with the support of the Ministry of Science and Education, a session was held with students of the Azerbaijan Finance-Economics College under the Azerbaijan State University of Economics. The topic of the session focused on the negative consequences of early and consanguineous marriages. Ms. Kamila Aliyeva, Deputy Head of the Family Affairs Department of the Committee, spoke about the causes of such marriages, the harmful consequences they bring, and the measures being taken to prevent them, including legislative changes and activities carried out by the State Committee. She emphasized the importance of the active involvement of all members of society—especially youth and adolescents—in combating early and consanguineous marriages, which often arise from harmful stereotypes. Following this, Mr. Murad Muradov, Deputy Director for Educational Affairs at the College, addressed the students and shared his advice and recommendations. At the end of the event, participants’ questions were answered.
A side event on the topic “Baku Climate Coalition – Green Transition for SMEs: Empowering Women” was held at the UN
Within the framework of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) a side event hosted by Azerbaijan was held at the UN Headquarters in New York. The roundtable was organized under the topic “Baku Climate Coalition – Green Transition for SMEs: Empowering Women.” The event was jointly organized by Azerbaijan's Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA), the Statistical, Economic, and Social Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Permanent Mission of the OIC to the United Nations. The event discussed the empowerment of women and the adaptation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the green transition, with additional information shared about Azerbaijan's socio-economic development and the reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories. The roundtable was moderated by Atilla Karaman, a representative of the SESRIC. The event featured speeches from Zahra Zumrut Selchuk, Director-General of SESRIC and former Minister of Family, Labor, and Social Services of Turkey; Ambassador Tofiq Musayev, Azerbaijan's Permanent Representative to the UN; Rufat Atakishiyev, Deputy Chairman of the SMBDA; Jeyran Rahmatullayeva, Head of the Apparatus of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs; Dima Al-Khatib, Director of the UN South-South Cooperation Office (UNOSSC); Ambassador Hamid Ajibaiye, Permanent Observer of the OIC to the UN; as well as representatives from UN bodies and accredited NGOs. Jeyran Rahmatullayeva, Head of the Apparatus of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs, stated that one of Azerbaijan's five national priorities for socio-economic development by 2030 is being recognized as a “Clean Environment and Green Growth Country.” She discussed the reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories and the transformation of the region into a green energy zone, highlighting the construction of new settlements based on the "Smart City" and "Smart Village" concepts. She also mentioned that last year Azerbaijan declared the “Year of Solidarity for a Green World.” Furthermore, she emphasized that the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs has conducted training in the fields of economics and management for women as part of the National Action Plan on Gender Equality. She pointed out that, as a result of policies focused on human capital development, women have become more actively integrated into society and state affairs. Currently, women constitute 48% of the total workforce in Azerbaijan, and female entrepreneurs make up 23%. Rufat Atakishiyev, Deputy Chairman of the SMBDA, noted that the strategic framework plays a crucial role in enhancing women's economic opportunities and increasing their economic activity in an inclusive and socially just society. He also added that the Joint Declaration on the Green Transition, adopted within the framework of COP29 by the Baku Climate Coalition, discusses the role of SMEs in global economic development and the importance of supporting them in the transition to a green economy. Dima Al-Khatib, Director of the UN South-South Cooperation Office (UNOSSC), Hamid Ajibaiye, Permanent Observer of the OIC to the UN, and Zahra Zumrut Selchuk, Director-General of SESRIC, all discussed the importance of SME development, the role of women, and the implementation of the goals set during COP29 in this regard.
An "Open Door" day has been held in the regions
“Open Door” was organized day by Agdam, Shuvaylan, Saatly, Sabirabad, Hacıqabul, Gabala, Ismayilli, Goranboy, Goygol, Zagatala, and Zardab, Child and Family Support Centers operating under the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs with the participation of psychologists and social workers on January 31, 2025 The “Open Door” day was held on a mobile basis in the villages and towns of Turkan (Khazar district of Baku), Qasimbayli (Agdam district), Tapgaragoyunlu (Goranboy district), Navahi (Hacıqabul district), Gushgara (Goygol district), Boyuk Piralli (Gabala district), Gunashli (Ismayilli district), MircAlalkənd (Saatly district), Garalar (Sabirabad district), Lahıc (Zagatala district), and Alvand (Zardab district). During this event, people were able to access services from the centers, including psychological consultations, family relationship management, alimony issues, medical treatment, legal aid, social benefits, employment assistance, and improving living conditions. Additionally, to detect and prevent early developmental delays in children, the staff of the centers conducted the Denver II developmental screening test. During the “Open Door” day, citizens’ requests were listened to, and relevant support was provided to address their concerns.
