Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Türkiye agree to boost women’s volunteering projects

An international forum dedicated to the role of women volunteers in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Türkiye has been held at the initiative of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Azerbaijan and the Baku International Women’s Club.

The event, titled “The Contribution of Women Volunteers to the Development of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Türkiye,” brought together public figures, women entrepreneurs, government representatives, NGOs and members of the diplomatic corps, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Alim Bayel said the forum was dedicated to Azerbaijan’s Independence Day and the Year of Volunteers. He noted that the United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development on the initiative of Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and highlighted the historical roots of volunteering in Kazakh society through the tradition of mutual aid known as “Asar.”

Azerbaijan’s parliamentary official Hijran Huseynova spoke about the history of women’s activism in Azerbaijan and current state support measures for women.

Mexico’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Maria Victoria Romero Caballero expressed support for initiatives promoting awareness of women’s volunteer work across participating countries.

Representing Türkiye, Zöhre Akgün, wife of the Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan, shared insights on early diagnosis of autism in children and Türkiye’s experience in supporting inclusive education and social integration.

Speakers from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Moldova and the United States also presented on the role of women volunteers in contemporary society, highlighting experiences, challenges and future development directions.

Kazakh representatives including Asemgul Bayel, Saltanat Basygaraeva and Elvira Esmukhanova discussed the growth and achievements of volunteer movements in Kazakhstan, while other participants outlined prospects for expanding women-led civic initiatives and cooperation across the Turkic world.

The forum concluded with an agreement to enhance cooperation in promoting women’s civic engagement and implementing joint projects.

The event also featured cultural performances by Azerbaijani Honored Artists Fergana Gasymova, Gyulyanag and Gyulyaz Mammadova, alongside participation from children with developmental disabilities.

Founded in 1994, the Baku International Women’s Club is a non-governmental and non-profit organization that has organized numerous cultural, charitable and educational initiatives over its 32-year history, including a spring charity fair in Baku in April 2026.

By Sabina Mammadli