Azerbaijan Social Work Public Union

Sabina Rustamova-Aliyeva

Mrs. Sabina Rustamova-Aliyeva is a highly qualified International Development professional with a strong commitment to advancing social and gender justice. Mrs. Rustamova-Aliyeva is a social and gender specialist with wide cross-cultural experience in various research, gender, social impact, community development and evaluation projects. She got her Bachelor’s and Master degree in Psychology from Baku State University. She also has a second Master Degree in Social Enterprise Administration from the School of Social Work of Columbia University in New York City.

During the years at the University Mrs. Rustamova-Aliyeva volunteered at local orphanages in the suburbs of Baku city and conducted psycho-rehabilitation work among children with mental disability. Since then she started working in the non-governmental sector mainly on mezzo and macro level, implementing research and community development projects.

Mrs. Rustamova-Aliyeva has completed more than 50 various research projects, surveys, evaluations and community development projects in the South Caucasus, the Central Asia and Pacific region countries funded by international and local NGOs and institutions, including the World Bank, ADB, Eurasia Foundation, EU and UN agencies, BP, and others. The research projects include studying social impact issues, social safeguards and gender mainstreaming in infrastructural and development projects implemented by international donor organisations in collaboration with National State agencies. Through the projects findings and recommendations Mrs. Rustamova-Aliyeva deliveries social work services to enhance well-being of client population (project affected people, vulnerable population, etc.) to ensure social justice and promoting gender equality.

Since 2020, Mrs. Sabina Rustamova-Aliyeva has been selected as Chairperson of the Azerbaijan Social Work Public Union. 

Tural Mirzayev

Tural Mirzayev brings over two years of dedicated involvement in the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) sector, where he has been instrumental in spearheading a variety of impactful projects, seminars, and training sessions geared towards advancing social work education. His primary focus lies in elevating the practice of social work within Azerbaijan, striving to harness available opportunities in the field effectively.

With a steadfast dedication to self-improvement and skill acquisition, Tural currently serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan Social Work Public Union. In this pivotal role, he actively contributes to shaping the organisation’s strategic direction and spearheading initiatives aimed at enhancing social work practices nationwide. Prior to this, Tural held positions as the Deputy Executive Director and Executive Director within the Azerbaijan Social Work Public Union, where he played a key role in managing projects addressing gender-based violence.

Drawing from his hands-on experience as a social worker, Tural has worked directly with vulnerable populations, particularly within children’s shelters. His involvement in assessing children’s needs underscores his deep commitment to ensuring their well-being and fostering environments conducive to their growth and development.

Tural Mirzayev’s academic background in social work from the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts provided him with a strong theoretical foundation, complemented by practical experiences that have shaped his holistic approach to social intervention.

Notably, Tural has secured funding and executed projects in collaboration with the Azerbaijan State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organisations. Additionally, he has been recognised as a recipient of the prestigious “Əlaçı” scholarship program, jointly organised by Paşa Holding and Paşa Insurance.

Committed to staying abreast of the latest trends and best practices in social work, Tural Mirzayev remains dedicated to applying innovative approaches that drive positive change and empower communities, particularly in his work with children and vulnerable populations.

Laman Aliyeva

Laman Aliyeva, a student at Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts majoring in social work, exhibits a profound dedication to the field, evident through her multifaceted engagement both within and beyond academia. As the chairperson of the esteemed club “The Social Times” at her university, she demonstrates exceptional leadership and organisational abilities, fostering a platform for discourse and action on pertinent social issues.

With nearly two years of active involvement in the Azerbaijan Social Work Public Union, Laman has honed her skills and expertise, contributing significantly to the advancement of social welfare initiatives. Her commitment extends beyond formal roles, as she has dedicated considerable time to volunteering and internships across diverse settings.

Moreover, Laman’s participation in the Bergoff Foundation’s “History and Alternative Memory” initiative underscores her nuanced understanding of social dynamics and her capacity to engage with complex narratives. This experience further amplifies her ability to navigate diverse perspectives and collaborate effectively towards common goals.

Laman’s internship at the “Umid Yeri” Children’s shelter reflects her profound empathy and dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable populations, particularly youth. Through hands-on experience in this setting, she has refined her interpersonal skills and developed a deep understanding of the challenges facing disadvantaged communities.

In sum, Laman Aliyeva’s comprehensive engagement in social work, coupled with her passion for youth empowerment, underscores her commitment to effecting positive change in society. Her rich tapestry of experiences, spanning volunteering, internships, and academic pursuits, positions her as a promising advocate and leader in the field of social welfare.

Gunay Mirzayeva

I am a young professional engaged in the field of social work and the non-governmental sector, with both academic training and practical experience in civil society. My professional interests focus on social justice, public participation, and the empowerment of young people, whom I consider essential agents of sustainable social development.

I currently hold a leadership position at the Azerbaijan Social Work Public Union, where I contribute to the implementation of strategic objectives, institutional development, and the effective coordination of programs and projects. My responsibilities include organizational management, team coordination, partnership development, donor communication, and strengthening accountability and reporting mechanisms.

My involvement in the NGO sector extends beyond administrative functions, as I view social work as a value-based profession and a social responsibility. I have coordinated and authored initiatives aimed at youth development, public oversight, social responsibility, and environmental awareness, contributing to increased civic engagement and capacity building among young people.

I remain committed to the ethical principles of social work and to promoting inclusive, evidence-based, and sustainable approaches that support social welfare and the advancement of civil society in Azerbaijan.

Namig Babayev

Namig Babayev, from childhood, exhibited a keen inclination towards personal development, perpetually aspiring to advance his skills and knowledge. His innate curiosity led him to cultivate interests in technology, painting, and art, which he endeavoured to intertwine as he matured. This multidimensional passion impelled Namig to pursue a dual trajectory, initially delving into the realm of social work while concurrently enrolling in design courses to hone his creative talents.

Combining his vocations, Namig currently navigates a professional landscape where he serves as both a dedicated social worker and a proficient designer. Embracing this duality, he finds fulfilment in positively impacting individuals’ lives through his social work endeavours while simultaneously channeling his artistic prowess into innovative design projects. Namig firmly believes in the power of amalgamating one’s passions, advocating for a harmonious fusion of interests as a pathway to personal and professional fulfilment.

Beyond his individual pursuits, Namig is actively engaged in fostering communal welfare. Collaborating with peers, he co-founded a social service club at his university, demonstrating his commitment to collective action in addressing societal challenges. Furthermore, he lends his expertise to project promotion initiatives, leveraging his skills in public relations to amplify the impact of various endeavours.

Namig’s exemplary dedication and talents have garnered recognition, exemplified by his distinction as the recipient of the Alachi project award from Pasha Holding, a prominent conglomerate in Azerbaijan. Moreover, he has established himself as a proficient freelance designer, leveraging his expertise to deliver innovative solutions to clients across diverse domains.

Currently affiliated with the Azerbaijan Social Work Public Union, Namig continues to exemplify his unwavering commitment to social welfare and creative expression, embodying the ethos of a versatile professional driven by a passion for service and innovation.

Pakiza Masimova

In the realm of social impact and youth-oriented projects, Pakiza Masimova stands out as a dynamic professional with a fervent dedication to positive change. With a rich background that includes pivotal roles at Ib Club Youth Development Center, AIESEC, and GUYS Youth Union, Pakiza brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role.

During her time at AIESEC, Pakiza actively contributed to projects aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing her commitment to addressing global challenges. At Ib Club Youth Development Center, she orchestrated impactful events such as the memorable Family Day and the grand “Youth Assembly” at Baku State University, attracting 300 participants and featuring distinguished guest speakers. These achievements underscore Pakiza’s leadership and organisational prowess.

Currently pursuing a graduate degree in social work at Baku State University, Pakiza seamlessly combines academic knowledge with practical experience in her role as our Head of Public Relations.

In her professional journey, Pakiza served as an Account Manager at Endorphin Advertising Agency, gaining insights into the profound impact of narratives on society. Her academic emphasis on human rights, contemporary social issues, and social projects reflects a deep commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity.

Pakiza’s active involvement in projects like “White Suits Girls,” challenging gender stereotypes, and collaborations with UNFPA projects like “Analar Sözü” and “Breakingtheads” further highlight her dedication to reshaping narratives for societal betterment.

As the driving force behind our public relations efforts, Pakiza Masimova brings strategic thinking and a profound understanding of societal needs. Her vision and commitment contribute to the organisation’s mission of creating a more inclusive and empowered society. Pakiza’s role is pivotal in fostering meaningful connections and promoting social welfare, making her an invaluable asset to our team.