The 11^th of February on the occasion of the International Day of “Women and Girls in Science” the event was held at the Institute of Folklore of ANAS on the topic “Women and Girls in Science: Folklore, Gender and Technology”. The event was initiated by the Women’s Council of the Institute of Folklore of ANAS.

Opening the event with the introductory speech Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs of the Institute of Folklore of ANAS, Doctor of Philosophy in Philology, Associate Professor Afag Ramazanova said that in accordance with the 2015 resolution of the United Nations, the goal was to encourage the involvement of women and girls in scientific activities around the world and ensure gender equality in science. She noted that the participation of women and girls in STEAM fields was important not only for gender equality, but also for the advancement of science, diversity and innovation.

Afag Ramazanova also drew attention to the symbolic significance of February 11, noting that day was associated with the birthday of Marie Curie, the first female Nobel Prize laureate. Her history-making victory in winning the Nobel Prize twice, in physics in 1903 and in chemistry in 1911, had a major impact on strengthening the role of women in science. Afag Ramazanova mentioned the active participation of women in scientific and public life in the history of Azerbaijan, noting the important role of historical figures such as Khurshidbanu Natavan and Sara Khatun in this process.

Afag Ramazanova said that the active participation of women in science played an important role in building a more creative, sustainable and just future for society. She noted the importance of creating an inclusive environment in science and greater representation of women in decision-making and leadership positions, mentioning that the further expansion of such initiatives would have a positive impact on the development of science.

Then Khayala Aghayeva, Chairwoman of the Women’s Council of the Institute of Folklore of ANAS, Doctor of Philosophy in Philology, made a speech. Khayala Agayeva noted that statistical indicators in recent years in Azerbaijan demonstrate the increasing role of women in science, especially young female researchers. In her speech, Khayala Aghayeva also touched on the image of women in Azerbaijani folklore, stating that in folklore examples, women were presented as mothers and protectors of the family, on the one hand, and as intelligent, prudent, combative, and socially influential subjects on the other. According to her, the activity of women in science was not only an individual achievement, but also had strategic importance in terms of the modernization and sustainable development of society.

Then a number of scientific reports were made by PhD, associate professor Aynura Safarova, PhD Narmin Babayeva, PhD student, Chairwoman of the Council of Young Scientists and Specialists of the Institute of Folklore Jamila Novruzova at the event.

The event continued with discussions and questions of interest to the participants were answered.

At the end some female employees of the Institute of Folklore who distinguished themselves in scientific and public life - Sevinj Gasimova, Sevda Hasanova, Khalida Huseynova, Naiba Hagverdiyeva and Halimat Mammadova - were awarded Certificates of Appreciation.