On February 10, a conference titled "Unpacking STEM careers: Her Voice in Science" was held at the Central Scientific Library of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
The event, jointly organized by the Presidium of ANAS and the ANAS Women's Council, was attended by female employees of institutions under the Academy and the Ministry of Science and Education.
The event began with a video presentation dedicated to prominent women scientists.
Opening the conference with an introductory speech, Vice-President of ANAS, Academician Irada Huseynova, spoke about the establishment of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and congratulated the participants on this significant day. She noted that the UN General Assembly, by a resolution adopted in 2015, declared February 11, the birthday of the outstanding scientist Marie Curie, who received the Nobel Prize twice in physics and chemistry, the "International Day of Women and Girls in Science". She said that the main goal of celebrating this day is to ensure the role of women and girls in society in the context of sustainable development, as well as their active participation in scientific and technological fields.
Academician Irada Huseynova stated that the strengthening of gender policy, the elevation of women's role in society, and the significant measures taken in this direction are associated with the name of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. She noted that, thanks to the care and initiatives of President Ilham Aliyev, real opportunities have been created for women's active participation, and today, women hold an irreplaceable place in the life of independent Azerbaijan. She particularly highlighted the multifaceted activities of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, emphasizing that her successful work in the socio-political life of the country, her efforts for the state and the welfare of the people, and her good deeds confirm how active Azerbaijani women are today
"Women's role in all spheres of public life in our country is increasing year by year, women are actively represented in the social, socio-economic, scientific, and cultural spheres," said Academician Irada Huseynova, noting that Azerbaijani women are moving toward new goals in science and education. She noted that prominent scientists-ophthalmologist Academician Zarifa Aliyeva, outstanding orientalist Professor Aida Imanguliyeva, chemist Academician Rafiga Aliyeva, and others, who have a special place in the history of science of the country, have left important traces in the modern era of Azerbaijani science.
The Vice-President highlighted the innovations brought to science by our distinguished female scientists and presented statistical data reflecting gender equality in Azerbaijan. She emphasized that all conditions have been created in our country for women to succeed in every field they work in.
In her concluding remarks, Academician Irada Huseynova noted the importance of the event dedicated to women who have devoted their lives to science and education and wished success to the work of the conference.
Then, acting Vice President of ANAS, Academician Govhar Bakhshaliyeva, said that Azerbaijani women, especially our ladies who have distinguished themselves in science and education, are the leading force of our society. She characterized the Azerbaijani woman as a symbol of moral values, a leading force in the development of society, a patriotic, selfless, and virtuous mother.
Academician Govhar Bakhshaliyeva noted that, on the initiative of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children's Issues was established in Azerbaijan. She emphasized that Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, who laid the foundation of the state women's policy in the country, treated women with great respect. The Great Leader devoted a special place to women in all spheres of the country's life, creating wide opportunities for their comprehensive activities. Today, the resolute continuation of this policy by President Ilham Aliyev further increases the responsibility of Azerbaijani women.
Speaking about the scientific achievements of women in the world, gender equality in science as a whole, the situation in this field in Azerbaijan, and the wide opportunities created by the state, she said that the successes achieved in science, culture, and other fields reflect the cultural and intellectual potential of Azerbaijani women.
Later, the Chair of the ANAS Women's Council, Head of the Department at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, Professor Rena Mirzazade, spoke about the special attention given to the development of women in all fields, including their success in scientific activities. She congratulated the female employees working at ANAS and scientific institutions under the Ministry of Science and Education on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and conveyed her best wishes to them.
Professor Rena Mirzazade shared her thoughts on the purpose of today's event, the importance of the establishment of the ANAS Women's Council, and the active role of Azerbaijani women in society in general. She highlighted the series of activities carried out by the ANAS Women's Council, established in 2018, and noted that Doctor of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor Tubukhanum Gasimzade and Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy Mahrukh Najafali were elected as deputy chairmen of the Council.
The Chairman of the Council also spoke about the activities of our female scientists who have brought recognition to our country worldwide. She emphasized that Azerbaijani women, as wonderful mothers, devote all their efforts to form our youth in the spirit of devotion to the Motherland and land, loyalty to our independent statehood, the ideals of independence and the ideology of Azerbaijanism.
The conference also featured presentations by the Head of the Department of the Institute of History and Ethnology, Academician Nargiz Akhundova on the topic of "The Role of Women in the Development of Social Sciences", Executive Director of the Institute of Radiation Problems, Doctor of Philosophy in Physics Ravan Mehdiyeva on the topic of "Women in Technical Sciences: Achievements and Challenges", the Chair of the Women's Organization of the Institute of Linguistics, Doctor of Philology Shabnam Hasanova-Garibova on the topic of "Azerbaijani Women Scientists in the Context of New Scientific Challenges: Changing Environment and New Responsibilities in the Humanitarian Field".
Also, at the event, the Head of the Department of the Institute of Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry, Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry, Associate Professor Esmira Guluzade, delivered a report entitled “Azerbaijan’s Well-Known Chemists”, an employee of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies Lala Ibadullayeva presented on “A New Era in the Digital Transformation of Biology: Revolutionary Consequences of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Deep Learning”, the Head of the Department of the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, Doctor of Philosophy in Political Sciences, Associate Professor Gunel Malikli made a presentation on the topic “The Technological Aspect of Artificial Intelligence in a Philosophical Prism”.
