Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

Women's congress supported by the Azerbaijani government started in the capital Baku on June 14.

The fourth Congress of Azerbaijani Women, which is being held under the "Solidarity for development" motto, was organized by the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs.

The congress was attended by the head of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev, Deputy Prime Minister Elchin Efendiyev and other government officials, Rector of the Baku branch of Moscow State Lomonosov University Nargiz Pashayeva, representatives of international organizations and NGOs.

Head of humanitarian policy at the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration, Fatma Abdullazade, read out a congratulatory letter from President Ilham Aliyev to the participants of the congress.

On behalf of the congress participants First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva was honored with "Ulviyyat" (Sanctity) Award on the basis of numerous women organizations' appeals, for her contribution to the development of the women's movement in the country.

Addressing the congress, the head of the State Committee Hijran Huseynova said, "Personal activities of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for the development of the country are examples for each one of us. Their tireless and hard work in this direction, their patriotism increases the responsibility of us all."

Huseynova noted that Heydar Aliyev Foundation President, MP Mehriban Aliyeva raised high the image of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani women's authority in the international arena through her efforts.

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation consistently conveys to the world community the real facts about the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which is Azerbaijan's bitterest problem, and takes action to address the problems facing the refugees and displaced persons, in particular, those of women and children, Huseynova said.

She also stressed the activity of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Vice President Leyla Aliyeva, which serves as an example for young women.

Huseynova said the international image, dynamic socio-economic development and political stability is seen in the country since the last congress five years ago.

Azerbaijani women are distinguished by their efforts in the ongoing large-scale projects, she said. Strides have been taken to protect the rights of women to increase their economic independence.

Huseynova said that 95 years ago Azerbaijani women were granted the right to elect and be elected, for the first time in the East. This democratic decision gave an impetus to the expansion of socio-political and socio-cultural activities of women in the country.

"The state undertakes specific measures for social adaptation of some 400,000 women -- refugees and internally displaced persons, who fell victim of the Karabakh conflict, providing them with suitable jobs and involvement in business," Huseynova said.

"It's an irrefutable historical fact that the definition of the basic principles of the state policy for women in Azerbaijan is linked to the name and activity of national leader Heydar Aliyev. The congresses of Azerbaijani women conducted with the support of the national leader opened a new page in the history of the women's movement in Azerbaijan," she said.

Implementation of the proposals put forward at the nationwide women's congresses leads the country to development and progress, she believes.

According to Huseynova, though the Azerbaijani government is consistently working to address the concerns of the population, the society still faces instances of violence against women and children.

"Although this problem exists all over the world, some people very erroneously associate domestic violence with our national identity. Mehriban Aliyeva's words that 'using the customs, traditions and mentality to justify violence against women contradicts the norms of behavior" is the answer to people with such a mindset. Elimination of this serious problem and its prevention are in the focus of the head of state and the government," Huseynova said.

She said the first positive results of the government's steps to combat early marriages and domestic violence are obvious. The number of children delivered by women aged 15-17 was 4,392 in 2011; in 2012, the figure fell to 3,236. Moreover, whereas in 2011 the rate of crimes related to domestic violence was 2,043, in 2012 it went down to 1,514.

Also, the number of non-governmental organizations active in the country has now reached 200 compared to 90 in 2008, according to Huseynova. This means that women have become more aware of their rights in the economic and business sector, and in strengthening the society.

The women's congress will issue an appeal to the Azerbaijani President, the UN, the Council of Europe and other international organizations on behalf of the participants, and will also adopt a resolution.