Great things are only accomplished as a team, and in a world where women face numerous challenges and obstacles, the importance of women supporting women cannot be overstated. We can create an equitable and inclusive society for all by persevering and uplifting each other.
Aytakin (Ika) Aliyeva’s journey from Azerbaijan to building a professional network community called Femigrants is a perfect example of how perseverance and a women-support-women relationship lead to empowerment. Her story has inspired many, including Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, who hugged her at a Women Changing The World Awards conference. This hug proved to be a deeply significant moment for Aytakin.
Aytakin was not only a finalist in three different categories at the Women Changing The World Awards – Company of the Year, Cultural Diversity &Inclusion, and Migrant Leadership of the Year- but she also emerged as the winner of the first place (double gold awards) in two of them: the Migrant Leadership Award and the Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Award. She was overwhelmed by the support she received from the Duchess of York.
Her words were “These gold awards mean more than going back home as a winner. It is the symbol of immigrant women starting from scratch, experiencing loneliness, depression, loss, and helpless. I want these awards to motivate my immigrant fellows to believe in themselves, and not to give up no matter what challenges they face at this time.”
Aytakin believes in the power of community and unity. Despite her intense routine, working full-time at the corporate, running daily house errands, and taking care of her two kids, she leads Femigrants Foundation with a big dream of having a global community of immigrant women from all over the world giving and getting professional guidance and support.
Launching Femigrants in 2008, Aytakin was able to impact the lives of thousands of Femigrants by using her own income to establish and keep the community active.
Experiencing all the hurdles of not having access to professional guidance and career growth resources, Aytakin continues to thrive in expanding Femigrants’ community to help the members gain access to career resources where they can give and get professional support.
Aytakin’s big dream is to offer a safe environment for global immigrants from all over the world where the community can easily connect with each other to grow and rise together.
When Aytakin went onto the stage to receive her second award, to her surprise, Sarah Ferguson came up to the stage to hug her. She didn’t expect it at all, and she was the only winner the Duchess of York came up to the stage to show her support personally. As she hugged Aytakin, Sarah Ferguson spoke empowering words that filled her with a sense of empowerment.
She stated “If someone would have told me that one day I would receive double Gold Awards and be recognized for my social impact work by Sarah F., I wouldn’t believe it. Being recognized for your social impact work on a global level is not that easy, especially considering that I am an ordinary immigrant starting from scratch. I am not coming from a fancy background with a connection to public figures or C-level executives where you get easy access to powerful resources”.
The gesture deeply touched Aytakin, becoming one of those moments that will forever stay with her. She mentioned, “I watched the video of the hug moment 15 times, and every time I watch it, I get tears in my eyes”. The moment has been unforgettable for her, inspiring her to continue empowering immigrant women through her work with Femigrants. That hug was a physical embrace and a symbol of women supporting women.
The moral support Aytakin received from the Duchess of York serves as a valuable reminder of women’s profound impact on each other’s lives and how a single act of kindness can make a significant difference. As Aytakin’s mother would say, “Keep doing what you’re doing! There will be a day when day one becomes a reality – one day.” Aytakin’s journey proves that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance.
Overall, Aytakin (Ika) Aliyeva’s story is an inspiration to many, and her work with Femigrants continues to empower immigrant women. The hug from the Duchess of York has been a valuable moment for Aytakin and cast a beautiful impression in her mind of women’s impact on each other’s lives.
Join Aytakin (Ika) Aliyeva’s journey of empowerment by connecting with her on LinkedIn, and be part of the movement to support immigrant women.