Being the first Muslim country to enact women's suffrage in 1918, we stand at the center of historic moment of celebrating 100 years anniversary of women getting the right to vote in Azerbaijan.  This fact is remarkable, especially considering that at that time, this issue had not yet been solved in many European countries.

The National leader Heydar Aliyev's return to power in Azerbaijan in 1993 was a turning point in social, political, economic, scientific and cultural life of the country. The great leader has taken numerous measures to increase the role of women in society. This period can be considered as golden period with regard to women in our country. In 1998, the national leader signed a Decree on the establishment of the State Committee on Women’s Affairs. The message of President Mr. Heydar Aliyev addressed to the conference held in Beijing on September 4-15 by the initiative of the United Nations was met with great interest and respect. The Beijing conference has become a turning point for women's movement in our country. Azerbaijan demonstrated political will in the implementation of obligations of the Conference. This political will was reflected in the Decrees and Orders of National leader Mr. Heydar Aliyev.

The state policy of Mr. Heydar Aliyev, national leader of Azerbaijan is still successfully continued. Decisions taken by the President of our country Mr. Ilham Aliyev such as including the solution of women's issues to the priorities of state policy have made great achievements in this direction. By the Decree of the Head of the State, in 2006 the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs was established on the basis of State Committee on Women's Issues.

Appointment of Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva as the First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan has become a real stimulus to women's activity.

After the implementation of a series of governmental programs and conducting special training for women we can see a considerable increase in their activeness in different spheres. Such major events as the National Congress of Azerbaijani Women, conferences on women’s leadership, and workshops of female lawyers, journalists, entrepreneurs and NGOs have been very important in demonstrating the enormous potential of women and their ability to make changes for the better in society.

On May 30 of 2018 in Baku Congress Center the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of Republic of Azerbaijan organized the Fifth Women’s Forum dedicated to 100 anniversary of women’s vote in Azerbaijan.

Forum brought together state and government officials, MPs, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the country, NGO representatives, public and political figures, representatives from all regions of the country.

The Forum was focused on celebration of the 100th anniversary of the recognition of the equal rights of all citizens, especially the rights for women to vote during the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, established on May 28, 1918, as well as to discuss achievements gained in the field of protection of women's rights in the last 100 years and identify the challenges ahead.

Panel meetings entitled “Women and food safety in ecology”, "100th Anniversary of Equality: Achievements and Modernity of History", "Women in the Economy: New Opportunities and Challenges", "Women and ICT: Reality and Perspectives" had been organized within the framework of the forum.