The conference on "Women's role, problems and prospects in the development of the construction sector" was held under the organization of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs and  Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) on December 13, 2023.

MPs, representatives of relevant state institutions, higher education institutions, business associations and entrepreneurs participated in the conference, which was organized in order to increase the activity of women in the construction sector, investigate development problems and take appropriate measures.

Ms. Bahar Muradova, the Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, who gave an opening speech at the conference, noted that fundamental steps have been taken in the direction of ensuring gender equality and women's rights, as well as the development of entrepreneurship in our country, the legislative base has been formed, and institutional mechanisms have been created.

She spoke about the activities of 17 Women's Resource Centers established by the Committee, a state body that implements the state women's policy. The chairperson emphasized that these centers are a successful initiative that enables women from different classes, especially vulnerable groups, to develop as entrepreneurs.

Pointing out the statistical indicators of women's participation in the field of entrepreneurship, she said that their activity in the construction sector is low, and highlighted the problems that caused it. Ms. Muradova added that existing stereotypes have become a shackle in the development of society, noted the importance of implementing joint measures in the direction of increasing the activity of women in the mentioned field, and voiced her suggestions and recommendations.

The Chairperson of the Board of Directors of KOBIA, Ms. Orkhan Mammadov, noted that the special weight of women in the construction sector is low, and said that such events play an important role in order to stimulate them in this field.

The official of the institution said that the construction field is a sector with multifaceted sub-fields, pointed out a number of economic growth indicators for the country, and said that it will be one of the priority directions in the future. Speaking about the infrastructure projects implemented in the territories freed from occupation, he spoke about the great potential in the field of construction in our country and the importance of encouraging women in this field.

Mr.  Mammadov gave information about the activities carried out by KOBIA in the field of creation of women's business entities and said that the work will be continued with the relevant institutions in the future.

Later, Ms. Hijran Huseynova, chairperson  of the Family, Women and Children Affairs Committee of the Milli Majlis, and Ms. Vugar Bayramov, a member of the Committee on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship, Mr. Ziyad Samadzade  ,  a member of National Assembly, Mr. Mammad Musayev,  President of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations, Ms. Sakina Babayeva, Chairperson of the Board of the Association for the Development of Women's Entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan, Ms. Nigar Alasgarova,  as well as the chairperson of the Association of Small and Medium Business Entities and Clubs were heard.

The conference continued with an exchange of ideas on the organization of joint events to increase business knowledge and skills of women in the construction sector, and the questions of the participants were answered.