Baku State University (BSU) recently hosted a conference on "Girls' Right to Education" as part of the "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty." The event was organized in collaboration with the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs and the Education Development Foundation.

In his opening remarks, BSU Rector Elchin Babayev emphasized the active participation of women and girls in the country's political, social, and cultural spheres, particularly in science and education. He highlighted that, under the successful policies of President Ilham Aliyev, significant progress has been made in ensuring equal educational opportunities for both genders. The participation of women in scientific research and leadership positions aligns with modern global challenges and requirements. Rector Babayev noted that in Azerbaijan, women make up more than half of doctoral candidates contributing to scientific development. While globally, 35% of students in STEM fields (computer science, mathematics, technology, and engineering) are women, Azerbaijan surpasses this with a 40% participation rate.

The Azerbaijani state has established comprehensive opportunities for all citizens, including girls and women, to access affordable and high-quality education. Babayev stressed that educating girls is not only essential for their personal development but also plays a crucial role in strengthening family values, raising future generations, and advancing society.

The rector shared that out of BSU’s 24,739 students, 16,641 (67.2%) are female. In the latest admissions cycle, 5,414 students were accepted, of whom 3,803 (70%) were female. Furthermore, female students at BSU demonstrate strong academic performance, with their exam success rates being approximately 20% higher than those of their male counterparts. Female students also actively participate in university life, holding key positions in organizations such as the Student Youth Organization, the Student Trade Union Committee, the BSU Volunteers organization, the Student Scientific Society, and the Center for Student Scientific and Technical Creativity.

Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs, Bahar Muradova, emphasized that state programs and reforms are instrumental in expanding educational opportunities for girls. She highlighted the significant role of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in implementing key projects in this area. Additional initiatives, such as the "Support for the Education of Young Girls" project (in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Education) and the "Hanifa Melikova-Zardabi Scholarship Program" (jointly established with the Education Development Fund), further promote girls' education. Muradova also referenced the "You Are Not Alone" initiative, which includes a program titled "Confident Steps into the Future," supporting the education of the wives of fallen soldiers.

She underscored that investing in girls' education is an investment in the future. A memorandum of cooperation between BSU, the Ministry of Science and Education, and the Education Development Fund aims to strengthen research on family institutions and national values. She expressed confidence that shared objectives under this memorandum would accelerate progress in these areas.

Minister of Science and Education, Emin Amrullayev, reiterated that the impact of education is long-term: "The results of efforts in education often become visible only after 20 years. A girl who does not receive an education today may become a mother within a decade, and her child will enter the labor market in the next 20 years. In approximately 35 years, we will witness the consequences of our actions—or inactions—today."

He emphasized the importance of ensuring girls' access to quality education, noting that, in some regions of the world, girls' educational rights remain severely restricted. Addressing these challenges through open discussion is crucial.

Amrullayev also highlighted that the number of young people pursuing higher education in Azerbaijan has tripled over the past 20 years. The rising enrollment of girls in higher education translates into a future with more educated mothers and families. International studies, including results from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), confirm that children of parents with higher education achieve better academic outcomes.

The conference served as a platform to underscore the pivotal role of girls' education in national and global development, reinforcing the commitment of Azerbaijani institutions to fostering equal educational opportunities for all.

Next, Chairman of the Board of the Education Development Fund, Elnur Nasibov, spoke about the Fund's support for girls' education. He noted that the "Hanifa Melikova-Zardabi Scholarship Program" was implemented jointly with the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs, the "Parla" scholarship and development program with NEQSOL Holding, the "Zərif mühəndislər" development project with the STP Group of Companies, and the "ICT Skills" scholarship program named after Maya Hajiyeva in collaboration with the Azerbaijani representative office of the Women in Tech organization. "About 2,600 applications were received for these programs, and a total of 336 girls received scholarships. Such programs will be continued within the framework of public-private partnerships, and support for girls' education will be strengthened."

The event was also attended by Mehriban Veliyeva, a member of the Milli Majlis Committee on Science and Education, Sajida Abdulvakhabova, head of the BSU department, Fidan Mehdiyeva, a student of the State Customs Academy, and Vusala Aliyeva, the wife of martyr Colonel-Lieutenant Anar Aliyev.

Following these discussions, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between BSU and the State Committee on Family, Women, and Children, further reinforcing commitments to advancing educational opportunities for girls.