Article I: Name of the Association
The official name of the organisation shall be the Azerbaijani Women's Association in the UK, hereafter referred to as "AWA UK."
Article II: AIM
The primary aim of AWA UK is to connect Azerbaijani women residing in the UK by providing a social forum that revitalises their Azerbaijani networks.
Activities dedicated to achieving this aim may include, but are not limited to:
a) Networking events that unite Azerbaijani women around themes of mutual interest.
b) Mentoring programs—both in-person and online—focused on topics selected by the association's members.
c) Fundraising events where members can invite guests to raise money for charities supported by the AWA UK Executive Committee.
Further activities may be determined by the Executive Committee.
Article III: Type of Organisation
AWA UK shall operate as a non-profit, non-partisan, and secular organisation, promoting its objectives without discrimination based on race, age, language, or origin. Any profits or gains accruing to AWA UK shall be utilised to further its aims.
AWA UK shall not be held responsible for any individual or collective actions of its members that may be politically motivated or contrary to the ethos of AWA UK. The Association reserves the right to terminate membership in such cases.
Article IV: Executive Committee
AWA UK shall have an Executive Committee comprising the following officers, each with defined responsibilities:
1. Honorary President
The Honorary President of AWA UK shall be the spouse of the serving Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the UK. Upon the departure of a serving Ambassador and the appointment of a new one, the spouse will be offered the role of Honorary President, with the option to accept or decline at their discretion. The Honorary President will play a key role within the Executive Committee, significantly influencing decisions regarding the activities of AWA UK and promoting the organisation among peer entities.
2. President
The President shall be responsible for the overall management and direction of AWA UK and its Committee. The President is authorised to operate the AWA UK bank account and oversee account signing procedures.
3. Vice President
The Vice President shall carry out duties as designated by the President and assume the responsibilities of the President in her absence. The Vice President is also authorised to operate the AWA UK bank account.
4. Treasurer
The Treasurer shall manage AWA UK’s funds, maintain accurate financial records, and report on annual accounts, providing a statement of receipts and expenditures for the previous financial year. The Treasurer is authorised to operate the AWA UK bank account.
All individual members of the AWA UK Committee shall retain honorary committee member status indefinitely following their first term.
Article V: Appointment and Retirement of the Executive Committee.
The members of the Executive Committee shall be elected by the association's members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
- The President shall serve a maximum term of two years, with the possibility of reappointment for an additional term.
- All other Committee members shall serve a maximum term of one year, with the option for reappointment for one additional year.
- In the event of a vacancy, the Executive Committee has the authority to appoint a successor for the remainder of the term.
The Executive Committee is responsible for ensuring that all records and documentation related to the Committee and AWA UK members are maintained in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, ensuring confidentiality, and preserving the organisation’s reputation.
Article VI: Meetings and Decision-Making
a) The Executive Committee shall convene at least four times a year.
b) Meetings shall be scheduled by the President, with a minimum two-week notice given to all Committee members.
c) A quorum shall consist of at least three Committee members.
d) Decisions shall be made by a majority vote of Committee members present.
Article VII: Membership
Eligibility
Membership eligibility (including Committee members and Patrons) shall encompass:
a) Women born in Azerbaijan.
b) Women whose mother or father were born in Azerbaijan.
c) Women married to an Azerbaijani national.
d) Women demonstrating a genuine interest in Azerbaijan, proposed by two AWA members in writing to the Executive Committee.
Application for Membership
Membership applications must be submitted following the procedures communicated through AWA UK channels. The Executive Committee may refuse an application only if it deems it to be in the best interests of AWA UK.
Membership Fees
Annual membership fees, currently set at £25, shall be payable within two weeks of acceptance into the association. These fees contribute to the administrative costs of AWA UK, subsidise events, and fund promotional materials.
Termination of Membership
Membership may be terminated under the following conditions:
a) Upon the member's death or dissolution of AWA UK.
b) By written resignation from the member.
c) If any dues remain unpaid beyond 30 business days after the due date.
d) By resolution of the Executive Committee if deemed necessary for the best interests of AWA UK.
Article VIII: Founder
The founder of AWA UK is Ulviyya Taghizade, the spouse of the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the UK (2014-2021). The name of the founder shall remain in the written Constitution of AWA UK.
Article IX: Disqualification and Removal of Executive Committee Members
An Executive Committee member shall cease to hold office under the following conditions:
a) Resignation via written notice to AWA UK.
b) Absence without permission from all meetings over a three-month period.
c) Determination by the Committee that the member is physically or mentally incapable of fulfilling her duties.
d) If the member ceases to be a member of AWA UK.
e) Removal by the Committee in the best interests of AWA UK.
A resolution for removal may only be passed if the member has been given 21 business days' notice of the meeting where the resolution will be proposed.
Article X: Annual General Meeting
a) AWA UK shall hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) at a time and date determined by the Committee.
b) The AGM shall address reports, statements, and any other business on the agenda.
c) Notice of the time and place of the AGM shall be circulated in writing or electronically to all Committee members and AWA UK members.
d) No business shall be conducted at the AGM unless a quorum is present, consisting of 50% of AWA UK members. Electronic voting may be permitted in urgent situations.
Article XI: General Meetings
a) All meetings other than the AGM shall be termed General Meetings.
b) The Committee may convene General Meetings as necessary.
c) Notice of General Meetings shall be circulated in writing or electronically.
d) General Meetings may be called on shorter notice, subject to agreement by all entitled members.
e) No business shall be conducted at General Meetings without a quorum present.
Article XII: Irregularities
Proceedings at any meeting or decisions made shall not be invalidated due to accidental informality or irregularity.
Article XIII: Dispute Resolution
Disputes among AWA UK members shall be addressed by the Committee within five working days. Should a dispute escalate and threaten the reputation of AWA UK, the Committee may exercise its authority to remove the member as per Article IV(2)(c).
Article XIV: Amendments to the Constitution
The AWA UK may amend any provision of this Constitution, provided that:
a) Proposed amendments must be made in writing and signed by at least three Committee members.
b) The Committee shall circulate proposed amendments alongside the notice for the AGM.
c) Amendments must be approved by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting at the AGM.
Members have the power to alter, add to, or repeal rules or by-laws during the AGM.
Article XV: Dissolution
Should the members resolve to dissolve AWA UK, the Committee will be responsible for winding up the affairs of the organisation, collecting all assets, and settling all liabilities.
By-Laws
Business of AWA UK
a) The financial year of AWA UK shall commence from the official registration date and last for one year and three weeks.
b) Each cheque issued by AWA UK shall require approval and signatures from a minimum of two authorised Committee members.
c) The Treasurer shall prepare an annual budget and present it to members at the AGM, along with recommendations for sound financial policy.
d) The Committee may appoint and remove patrons of AWA UK as deemed necessary. Patrons (if not members) shall have the right to attend and speak at the AGM and General Meetings, but shall not have voting rights.
Appendix 1: Members of the First Executive Committee of AWA UK
- President: Simuzer Balaoghlanova; MBA in Strategy Carbon Management; Diploma in Management Consultancy (CMI); Founder of Caspian Khazri Education Centre in the UK; Member of Rotary Norwich.
- Vice President: Lamiya Mammadova; Human Resources Executive at Baker Hughes, a GE Company; Fellow of Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD); Accredited Executive Coaching Practitioner; MS in English Studies.
- Treasurer: Konul Gulverdiyeva; BA in English Language and Philology; AAT in Accounting.
- Founder and Honorary President: Ulviyya Taghizade; MS in International Relations and Regional Studies; Spouse of the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the United Kingdom.
London, 2017
