On August 9-10, 2022, the first Meeting of the Regional Expert Group on Gender Issues and the Women's Economic Empowerment Forum were held in the framework of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program of the Asian Development Bank.

Mr. Farid Adilov, head of the Department of Foreign Relations and Protocol Service of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, took part in the event.

During the first meeting of the Regional Expert Group, Mr. F. Adilov made a presentation on the activities in the direction of women's economic empowerment, development of women's entrepreneurship, empowerment of women living in rural areas, the social and economic assistance package presented to prevent the loss of health and jobs of the population during the pandemic, as well as the measures implemented in the country in this direction on state policy.

The "Socio-economic Development Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022-2026" and "Employment Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2019-2030" approved by the President of the country were specially mentioned in the presentation.

Also, information about the provision of employment and self-employment support services to women from vulnerable groups and difficult living conditions by the Community Resource and Women's Resource Centers established in the regions within the framework of projects jointly implemented in cooperation with international organizations was conveyed to the participants of the event.

In the end, it was stated that Azerbaijan has entered a new stage after the conflict, and during this period, restoration and reconstruction activities and the return of internally displaced persons to their lands are a priority for Azerbaijan.

During the event, the presentations of other countries in the relevant field were heard, the priorities of the "CAREC Gender Strategy" document, and the work plan was discussed, and the proposals and recommendations of the members of the Regional Expert Group on Gender issues were listened to.

The Women's Economic Empowerment Forum was held on the second day of the event.

Leadership and success stories of successful women in business were heard at the forum, a panel discussion on "Best practices in the field of economic and social empowerment of women" was held, and an open discussion was organized with the Association of Women Entrepreneurs operating in Turkey (KAGİDER).

It should be noted that CAREC member states include Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.