An international conference titled “Refugees and Women” was held online on March 1, drawing attention to the ongoing violations of rights experienced by women expelled from Western Azerbaijan. Organized by the Women’s Council of the Western Azerbaijan Community (WAC), the event served as a powerful precursor to International Women’s Day on March 8, a month celebrated worldwide for advancing women’s rights.
The conference, reported by AZERTAC, brought together around 50 influential women from 12 countries who are actively involved in diaspora projects and community advocacy. Their shared mission was to affirm that even in the midst of severe hardship, unity and remembrance can illuminate the path forward. Throughout the session, participants underscored the critical need to highlight and address the historical and ongoing struggles faced by Western Azerbaijani women.
Malahat Ibrahimgizi, chairwoman of the Women’s Council of QAI, served as the moderator and provided an overview of the community’s goals, particularly emphasizing the action plan for the long-awaited “return” to Western Azerbaijan. Her remarks outlined how the “Concept of Return” has rapidly evolved into a unified national ideology, striving to reclaim the rights and dignity of those who were forcibly displaced.
Among the distinguished speakers was Tanzila Rustamkhanli, Head of the Coordination Council for International Relations of the Women’s Council, who elaborated on the main principles underpinning the “Concept of Return to Western Azerbaijan.” The conference also featured powerful presentations by Ramata Mbaye of ISESCO, who highlighted the burgeoning cooperation between ISESCO and Azerbaijan, stressing that continued support is essential for the community’s future endeavors.
Diplomats and experts from across the globe, including Dinara Guliyeva, Ilaha Tagiyeva from Belgium, and Saadat Karimi from Sweden, enriched the discussion by sharing their insights and experiences. These voices, alongside leaders from organizations like the Ana Vaten European Azerbaijani Women’s Organization and the Odlar Yordu Organization, emphasized the pivotal role women play in both preserving their heritage and advocating for their collective return.
The conference concluded with an impassioned appeal to international organizations and the world’s First Ladies, urging them to lend their support to this vital cause. The event not only celebrated the resilience of a community in exile but also served as a clarion call for justice, unity, and the restoration of rights for women who have long been marginalized.