The first event was held within the framework of the project “Promotion of Successful Practices Against Domestic Violence.”

On July 9, 2025, the first event was held within the framework of the grant project “Promotion of Successful Practices Against Domestic Violence,” implemented by the “Innovative Progress and Ecology” Public Union for Socio-Economic Development with financial support from the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan.The event began with a one-minute moment of silence in honor of the martyrs, followed by the performance of the national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Opening the event, the Chairperson of the “Innovative Progress and Ecology” Public Union for Socio-Economic Development and project manager, Saida Musayeva, provided detailed information on domestic violence—particularly violence against women and children—and emphasized that such incidents pose a serious threat to social security and healthy societal development.She noted that within the framework of the project, a total of five events are planned. The next event will be held in the city of Sumgayit, the third in Lokbatan settlement of the Garadagh district of Baku, the fourth in the city of Khirdalan, and the fifth and final event will take place in the Khazar district of Baku.

Jamala Nakhchivani, Deputy Chairperson of the “Innovative Progress and Ecology” Public Union for Socio-Economic Development and moderator of the event, noted that the continuous public focus on this issue is a clear reflection of the state’s high level of attention and its humanistic policy. She then presented the project-related materials prepared within the framework of the initiative to the participants.Following this, Natig Babayev, the project expert and a lawyer-psychologist, shared information with the audience about the ways to combat domestic violence, legal mechanisms, psychological support services, and successful local and international practices in this field. In his speech, he placed special emphasis on women’s empowerment, their active participation in social life, and their economic and social strengthening. At the end, Natig Babayev also answered numerous questions from the participants.

Concluding the event, Saida Musayeva, Chairperson of the “Innovative Progress and Ecology” Public Union for Socio-Economic Development and project manager, once again emphasized that the core subject of the project—domestic violence—is not only a pressing issue in our country but also globally. She noted that keeping this topic on the public agenda today reflects the special attention given to it by our state.She stated that, as a civil society organization, they chose to focus on this direction within the grant competition announced by the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan because one of the main activity areas of the “Innovative Progress and Ecology” Public Union is precisely the development and protection of women and children, as well as the promotion of innovative thinking.The Union has been contributing for many years to the development of civil society, public awareness efforts, and the strengthening of psychological well-being through the implementation of various social projects.

The main goal of the project is to raise public awareness about successful models aimed at preventing cases of violence, to educate society in this direction, and to contribute to the creation of a safer and healthier social environment by empowering the role of women.We sincerely thank the members of the Supervisory Board of the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as Executive Director Ms. Aygun Aliyeva and all the staff of the Secretariat, for highly appreciating our initiative, awarding it among the winners, and supporting the implementation of our project.We also express our deep gratitude to Mr. Ramil Isgandarli, Chairman of the National NGO Forum, and all Forum staff for providing the necessary conditions for organizing our event.During the event, an art exhibition featuring handmade works by the children of the Union’s members was held.