Greatness and humanism are among the supreme qualities inherent in Azerbaijani women. Our women, an inseparable part of our lives, have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our men throughout history, inscribing their names on pages of honor, creating valuable examples for our society, and being beneficial to our nation. As we turn the pages of our glorious history, we clearly see the strength and wisdom of Azerbaijani women, from household cares to heroic peaks, from state administration to the vast world of science and literature. Azerbaijani women have always distinguished themselves with their nobility, compassion, and spiritual richness. Figures such as Sara Khatun in diplomacy, Tomris on the battlefield, Mahsati Ganjavi and Khurshidbanu Natavan in the history of our literary thought, and academician Zarifa Aliyeva in the world of science have confirmed the high position of our women in our society. Each of them, in their own era, stood out with their will, intellect, and love for the homeland, becoming a source of national pride. Especially in the modern era, in the person of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, who embodies the universal image of an Azerbaijani woman, Azerbaijani women have gained nationwide love in governance and serve as an example of compassion for the world. Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva has proven through her activities that our women, who are heroes of history, have also acted as the moral pillar of the state and society. Even today, our women achieve success in various fields, contributing to the development of our country and preserving our national and spiritual values. This is no coincidence.
Starting from the Soviet era, National Leader Heydar Aliyev took significant steps to increase women’s activity in public life and continued this policy in a more systematic and purposeful manner during the years of independence. The strategic line he defined transformed the protection of women’s rights into one of the main directions of state policy. The Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan enshrined equal rights for women and men, thereby creating a strong legal foundation for gender equality.
1995-ci ildə Azerbaijan’s accession to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 1995 was a clear example of the importance given to the protection of women’s rights based on international principles. The first congress of women held in 1998 went down in history as a societal affirmation of the state’s women’s policy. As a result of the policy successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev, the role of women in social, political, economic, and cultural life has further expanded, opening new perspectives for their initiatives and leadership opportunities.
In addition to being a member of society who meets the demands of the modern world, Azerbaijani women have always affirmed themselves in the nobility of motherhood, remaining faithful to the principles of historical tradition. By instilling love for the homeland, humanism, and a sense of justice in their children, they have played a crucial role in the formation of future generations. The mission of raising patriotic and worthy citizens is passed down from generation to generation precisely thanks to their dedication. During the 44-day Karabakh War, the whole world witnessed how Azerbaijani women raised worthy children for the homeland. Children who voluntarily went to war and considered it an honor to become martyrs or veterans emerged victorious from the defense of the Motherland, which we call ‘Ana’ (Mother), precisely thanks to the great upbringing provided by our women. This victory also demonstrated the moral power of Azerbaijani women. Rising to the supreme peak as mothers of martyrs and veterans, they themselves became sacred along with the children they raised for sacred ideals. Their greatness once again proved that we call the homeland ‘mother’, we address it as ‘mother’, and we consider it an honor to die for it. And our women, who teach us to protect the homeland like a mother, are as sacred as the homeland itself.
Rəşad Mahmudov,
YAP İdarə Heyətinin üzvü, Milli Məclisin deputatı