An event dedicated to March 8 – International Women’s Day was held at the Institute of Molecular Biology of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Opening the event with a welcoming speech, Acting Director of the Institute, Academician Irada Huseynova, drew attention to the drone attack carried out by Iran against the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic the day before and to Azerbaijan’s firm position regarding this attack. She noted that certain forces in the region are attempting to intimidate Azerbaijan and provoke confrontation through such provocations. However, both history and reality prove that the Azerbaijani state and its people have never retreated in the face of such threats. The drone strikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Nakhchivan, including the airport and residential areas, are regarded as a gross violation of international law and an act of open terror. Today Azerbaijan is a strong state with a powerful army and determined political leadership. The principled position of the Head of State, Ilham Aliyev, is clear: any threat directed against the sovereignty and security of Azerbaijan will not remain unanswered. The Azerbaijani state, which demonstrated the will of the “Iron Fist” in Karabakh, is capable of responding to any pressure or threat. Academician Irada Huseynova emphasized that the Azerbaijani people are fortunate to have such a resolute leader as Ilham Aliyev. A nation that has restored its national sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be intimidated by any provocation or terrorist act. On the contrary, such incidents further strengthen the unity of our people and their confidence in the state. Irada Huseynova expressed confidence that the Azerbaijani state, relying on its strength, political will, and a position based on international law, will continue to firmly ensure the security of the country.

Then Academician Irada Huseynova sincerely congratulated the female employees of the Institute of Molecular Biology on the occasion of March 8 – International Women’s Day. She spoke about the important role women play in the development of society and in the advancement of science and education, noting that throughout history Azerbaijani women have held an important place in the country’s socio-political, scientific, and cultural life through their diligence, high intellect, and active participation. Academician Irada Huseynova emphasized that Azerbaijani women continue to achieve significant success in various fields in the modern era, including science and education, and make substantial contributions to the development of the country’s scientific potential. She noted that women occupy a special place in the staff of the Institute of Molecular Biology, and that the majority of them are actively involved in scientific research activities. It was also noted that female scientists and specialists working at the institute contribute to the development of national science through important fundamental and applied results obtained in research conducted in various fields of science. During the speech, special emphasis was also placed on the role of women in society, their ability to successfully combine family responsibilities with professional activities, and their important role in shaping the younger generation and preserving moral values. Academician Irada Huseynova also stated that, as a result of the purposeful policy implemented by the Azerbaijani state, all necessary conditions have been created in the country to ensure the protection of women’s rights and to promote their broader participation in socio-political and scientific-intellectual activities.

Later at the event, speeches were delivered by corresponding members of ANAS Novruz Guliyev and Ibrahim Azizov, Doctor of Biological Sciences Yashar Feyziyev, employee of the Supply and Services Sector Fezail Mammadov, PhD in Biological Sciences, Associate Professor Alamdar Mammadov, junior researcher Ruslan Suleymanov, accountant Tovuz Seidali, and Chairperson of the institute’s Trade Union Organization, PhD in Biological Sciences Saadat Khudaverdiyeva. In their speeches they spoke about the contributions of women to the development of science and society, congratulated the female staff on the occasion of March 8 – International Women’s Day, and wished them strong health, family happiness, and new achievements in their scientific activities. At the end of the event, gifts were presented to the institute’s female employees on the occasion of the holiday.