A conference on the topic of "Girls' Right to Education" was held within the framework of the "Constitution and Sovereignty Year," jointly organized by Baku State University (BSU), the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children’s Affairs (AQUPDK), and the Education Development Fund.

The event began with the national anthem, followed by a moment of silence to honor the memory of martyrs who lost their lives for the territorial integrity of our country.

In his opening speech, BSU Rector Elchin Babayev emphasized that girls and women in modern Azerbaijan actively participate in the country's political and public life, as well as in the fields of science, education, and culture. As a result of the successful policies implemented by President Ilham Aliyev, the education of girls and the participation of women in scientific research and management are rapidly adapting to the demands and new challenges of the modern world. In every society, the inclusion of girls and women in education and scientific activities is a critical aspect of gender equality. Equal educational opportunities for women and men, along with participation in scientific activities, form the fundamental basis of citizens' rights equality. In Azerbaijan, women represent more than half of those working at the doctoral level and contributing to the development of science. While globally, girls make up 35% of those studying in fields such as computer science, mathematics, technology, and engineering, in Azerbaijan, this figure exceeds 40%, which is above the global average. The Azerbaijani government has created every condition for the citizens, including girls and women, to access quality education, acquire various skills, and enrich human capital with their knowledge and abilities. Girls' education is crucial not only for ensuring their future well-being but also for preserving and strengthening family values, raising children properly, and contributing to societal progress.

Rector Babayev also noted that at BSU, the country's first and largest higher education institution, there are currently about 25,000 students enrolled at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Of them, 16,641, approximately 67.2%, are girls. This year, 5,414 students were admitted to BSU, of whom 3,803, or 70%, are girls. During the last exam session, female students performed approximately 20% better than male students. Besides excelling in their education, female students at BSU actively participate in the university's public life. The majority of members of the BSU Student Youth Organization, the Student Union, the "BDU Volunteers" organization, the Student Scientific Society, and the Student Scientific and Technical Creativity Center are girls.

Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children’s Affairs, Bahar Muradova, stated that in Azerbaijan, education is a secular and continuous process that reflects the strategic interests of the citizen, society, and state. State programs and targeted reforms under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev have expanded educational opportunities for girls, while also ensuring the development of human capital. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation, led by First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, implements important projects in this area. Some of these projects include the "Support for Young Girls' Education" initiative, the "Henifa Malikova - Zardabi Scholarship Program" established with the Education Development Fund, and the "Confident Steps into the Future" program supporting the education of martyrs' wives under the "You Are Not Alone" project.

The committee chair emphasized that girls' education is essential for societal progress and economic empowerment, and it should be viewed as an investment in the future. A key goal is to promote girls' enrollment in higher education institutions, support their academic development, and ensure gender equality in education. To this end, a modern environment promoting educational opportunities and innovation is being created.

Minister of Science and Education, Emin Amrullayev, stated that girls' education in Azerbaijan is a long-term goal. He noted that the impact of educational initiatives typically takes about 20 years to manifest, with today's educational opportunities directly affecting the future. He highlighted that although in some parts of the world, girls' right to education is still severely restricted, significant progress is being made in Azerbaijan, where three times more young women are pursuing education than two decades ago.

Following the speeches, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between BSU and AQUPDK.

Elnur Nasibov, Chairman of the Board of the Education Development Fund, spoke about the Fund’s projects supporting girls' education. He mentioned initiatives such as the "Henifa Malikova - Zardabi Scholarship Program" and the "Parla Scholarship and Development Program" in collaboration with NEQSOL Holding, as well as the "Women in Tech" project with the Maya Hajiyeva ICT Skills Scholarship Program. These programs have received nearly 2,600 applications, resulting in 336 scholarships for girls. Such programs will continue through public-private partnerships, further encouraging girls' education.

Members of the National Assembly's Science and Education Committee, Mehriban Valiyeva, BSU's Professor Sajida Abdulvahabova, and student Fidan Mehdiyeva, along with Vusala Aliyeva, widow of martyr Lieutenant Colonel Anar Aliyev, spoke about the support and opportunities for girls’ education in Azerbaijan and its importance for societal development.

The event concluded with a cultural program.