Women's Forum

How did you start out as a professional woman? Did you always know what you wanted to do?
I did my undergraduate degree in international relations in Turkey and then a master's in global politics at LSE in London. My education plays a big role because I want to try to make a change in my country and the region. My first job was in consultancy research. It was not perfect for my career but I have no regrets. Overall it was a good introduction into the professional world. I learned about other countries and survival skills.

My second job as an analyst for a European think tank helped kickstart my career. No, I did not always know what I wanted to do but I am defining my goals. The people around me and my education are very important in this process. By the time I formed a clear idea about what I wanted to do - politics and development - I was already involved in gender work. This experience helped me look at things from a different perspective. A year into my second job I started a blog, which was a place where I could express myself. A friend helped me find a name Flying Carpets and Broken Pipelines and after that all I had to do was write. I never expected the blog to grow so much in Azerbaijan!

Why did you decide to move abroad and how did that feel?
The opportunity to live abroad came with the need to decide on my education. My dad encouraged me to choose a school in Turkey. But it all started much earlier, in ninth grade when I was selected for a one-year exchange program to the US. Part of the family did not want me to go. But I went and that was an experience that helped me become more responsible and self-reliant. After that I spent four years in Ankara living in a dorm with many other girls. I learned to share and also started to value privacy. My next stop was the UK.

Getting my own room in London was an incredible change for me. In fact many things changed at the time - everything from how to study and what to do. From then on I could do what I wanted to do. For me as a graduate student there was a strong sense of freedom and independence. I was on my own and sometimes saving up to go to a theater play or to buy a book. It was very exciting being in an international environment. I had roommates from China and Thailand and learned to deal with it and be cool. And this understanding of cross-cultural communication is something that stays with you because at some point in your life you are going to use it.

What is one of the most challenging situation you ever had to face?
On my first job a colleague and I were sent to Libya. We had no proper training and no clear idea of how to go about doing our assignment. In two weeks and with roughly $5,000 in cash we had to conduct an analysis of real estate. We had to make a plan and collect information. It was a real professional challenge and the first time I ever handled so much money. But the biggest difficulty was for two women with no male chaperon to get into Tripoli. We waited in line for our passport stamps for a long time because they had to process the men first.

What is your biggest professional achievement?
Being where I am now. I did not think I would be back in Baku so soon. It just seemed that by being out of the country I was more useful. There were some personal insecurities about returning to Azerbaijan. I didn't think that people would understand my ideas and my vision for this country. But I am proud of the decision to come back. My new job is to work with many different institutions. It's not going to be easy but I'm sure there is a lot to achieve and conquer.

Another achievement was when my first article was published in 2007 in Turkey about Azerbaijan and Islam. Writing took off after that and then I started the blog.  Something else which I think is an achievement is living in a world where I have friends everywhere. People I can rely on and ask for help - this is something I really value. It's nice to have many people in your life.

Another achievement was when my first article was published in 2007 in Turkey about Azerbaijan and Islam. Writing took off after that and then I started the blog.  Something else which I think is an achievement is living in a world where I have friends everywhere. People I can rely on and ask for help - this is something I really value. It's nice to have many people in your life.

How does it feel to be back in Azerbaijan?
I have strange feelings right now. Socially it's not that complicated and I go out to cafes and spend time with friends. It's the quality of life that bothers me. It's the fact that everyone is wearing black and there is constant pressure to deal with other people's problems. I feel like an outsider in my home country. This may be because I left before my period of maturity. I have been exposed to many cultures and communities. It's nice to be back. It's nice to be here and to write about Baku having the luxury of direct access to information.

Who supports you throughout life?
My closest friends help me. But normally I try to deal with my own problems. It's rare that I share something personal and only with the closest people.

What is your dream city and how would you spend your time there?
I want to live in a city where I can enjoy my privacy but have a chaotic life as well. A big city but with a little exclusive place where I could enjoy cultural life or simply take my book, sit in the park, and read. I like being active and doing things but I also like being by myself. I like to read, listen and download music. I love walking and taking pictures. In fact one of the next things I want to do is sign up for a photography course.

What do you appreciate most in life?
Little things. Having my things around me and my little life or parts of it wherever I live. I appreciate my friends and their support. My parents.

Do you foresee any big changes in your life in the near future?
The biggest change will be a wedding. I'm joining the caravan of married life. Besides I'm applying for a PhD program this year.

What is your advice to other women?
When you want something, fight for it. Do whatever it takes to reach your goals. Don't give up. Lobby every day. Work on yourself because you can do it. Believe in yourself because you are worth it.