WomenInTech. How women from Azerbaijan are breaking stereotypes and changing the IT industry

In the Women in Tech series, founders and leaders from Baku discuss leadership, education, and technology — and how women are transforming a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Aysel Gulmamedova, City — Baku, Founder and Managing Director, Instagram

About Me

I am the founder of Baku Design Academy, an innovative educational center specializing in IT, design, marketing, and digital skills.

Today, I work on developing educational programs, international partnerships, and creating opportunities for young people in Azerbaijan to gain world-class skills and certifications.

My career began with an interest in education, technology, and systems that genuinely prepare people for professional careers. Seven years ago, I founded Baku Design Academy, which has become one of the leading professional educational centers in the country.

Key milestones included building the academy from scratch, gaining national recognition, obtaining state-recognized educational licenses, and expanding internationally through global programs and partnerships.

How I Entered the IT Profession

I entered IT through education. Working with students and professionals, I saw how digital skills, design, data, and technology shape the future of work. This inspired me to focus on IT fields and integrate international certification systems into local education.

On Stereotypes

Like many women in leadership and IT, I have encountered stereotypes — particularly regarding leadership, technical decision-making, and scaling.

Instead of fighting stereotypes, I focused on concrete achievements, consistency, and long-term impact. Over time, real accomplishments speak louder than assumptions.

Barriers for Women in IT

One of the main challenges is taking women’s opinions seriously in strategic and technical discussions, especially in male-dominated teams.

Another challenge is the constant need to prove oneself. I overcame these difficulties by developing expertise, building strong teams, and creating measurable impact, rather than seeking approval.

Advice for Those Just Starting Out

1. Focus on skills, not job titles.
2. Be patient with growth, but disciplined in learning.
3. Choose environments where you can learn quickly, make mistakes, and improve — and don’t be afraid to start small if the direction is right.

Konul Guliyeva, City — Baku, Co-founder and CEO, LinkedIn

About Me

I am an entrepreneur, educator, and mentor, primarily working in EdTech, personal development, and digital transformation. I founded Safavy LLC, a platform for the educational market, and lead social initiatives to develop digital skills among women and youth.

I am also a mother of four children, and balancing family and professional growth is an important part of my identity.

My career began in the financial sector, where I learned discipline, analytical thinking, and responsibility. Later, I realized my passion was working with people and helping them grow, so I transitioned into education, training, and entrepreneurship. Over time, I started building projects, leading training programs, mentoring professionals, and eventually launching my own startup. Each stage taught me resilience and adaptability.

How I Entered the IT Profession

I entered IT through educational and innovative projects, rather than through a purely technical role. Working with training programs, I saw how digital skills shape the future of careers. This inspired me to join forces with friends to create projects that help people acquire IT and digital competencies, especially women.

Creating Safavy also immersed me deeper in the technological ecosystem, working with developers, product teams, and digital platforms.

On Stereotypes

Sometimes people assume that women, especially mothers, cannot fully focus on business or technology. I too faced doubts about my ability to lead a startup or work in IT. Instead of viewing this as a limitation, I used it as motivation to prove through work, results, and consistency that leadership and innovation are not gender-dependent.

Barriers for Women in IT

One of the main challenges is self-confidence and lack of access to opportunities or mentors.

Many women underestimate their abilities or consider the field too technical or male-dominated. I overcame this through continuous learning, surrounding myself with supportive communities, and focusing on long-term goals rather than short-term doubts.

I also strive to create opportunities for other women through mentoring and educational programs.

Advice for Those Just Starting Out

1. Be curious, consistent, and not afraid to start small.
2. Focus on practical skills and real experience.
3. Don’t wait until you feel completely ready — growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone.
4. And most importantly — build strong networks and learn from people who inspire you.