UNEC Women Researchers Council Hosted International Forum 2024
On December 10, 2024, the Women Researchers Council at Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), in collaboration with the Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia at the University of Michigan and the UM Institute for Research on Women and Gender, successfully held the Annual International Forum 2024. This significant event brought together over 40 renowned female scholars and researchers from 25 countries worldwide.
The forum served as a unique platform for women researchers, professors, and academics from various parts of the world to engage in discussions about the role of women in science, the challenges they face, and strategies to overcome these obstacles. It also facilitated the exchange of experiences, fostering collaboration and promoting a deeper understanding of the importance of gender diversity in academia and education.
Moderated by Dr. Nargiz Hajiyeva, chair of the UNEC Women Researchers Council (WRC), the forum opened with a keynote address by Professor Melynda Price, Director of the Institute for Research on Women and Gender of the University of Michigan. In her inspiring speech, Professor Price highlighted the systemic barriers faced by women researchers in academia and proposed practical solutions to tackle these issues. She emphasized that the increased representation of women in science is not only crucial for achieving gender equality but is also essential for the advancement of science and innovation on a global scale.
Throughout the forum, panel sessions provided an opportunity for scholars to address critical topics related to the role of women in science and society. Discussions revolved around breaking the “glass ceiling” that hinders women’s advancement in academia and identifying ways to strengthen meritocracy and fairness in institutional policies. Professor Ramona Rupeika Apoga from the University of Latvia shared her experiences in promoting women’s financial literacy and offered actionable recommendations for advancing economic education among women. Professor Monika Fodor Garai, the Dean of Keleti Karoly Business and Management Faculty from Hungary’s Óbuda University delivered a comprehensive analysis of the resilience of the younger generation and their impact on building sustainable and inclusive societies. Meanwhile, Professor Kiran Sood from Chitkara University in India explored the difficulties women face in career advancement, focusing on practical methods to overcome institutional and societal challenges that hinder their professional growth.
The forum concluded with a series of resolutions aimed at empowering women in academia. The UNEC Women Researchers Council committed to launching new initiatives to enhance the participation of women scientists in international research projects. Furthermore, the establishment of mentoring programs and the execution of joint research projects were identified as essential steps toward fostering greater international academic collaboration. These resolutions reflect a shared vision of strengthening women’s representation in science and promoting a more inclusive and dynamic global academic environment.
The Annual International Forum 2024 was recognized as a strategically important event for Azerbaijan, emphasizing the significance of increasing the global visibility of Azerbaijani female scholars and contributing to the development of high-quality scientific research in the country. The outcomes of the forum are expected to make a substantial impact on enhancing the quality and inclusivity of scientific endeavors in Azerbaijan. In the future, the UNEC Women Researchers Council aims to implement larger-scale projects and initiatives that will further solidify the role of women in science and education.
A recording of the forum is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKp0-jBF2Fk.