On December 6, 2024, the fourth annual AWITA – Azerbaijan Women in Tech Awards ceremony, organized by Femmes Digitales – Supporting Women in Tech Public Union, took place at the Fairmont Hotel in Baku. This year’s event was especially significant as it was dedicated to the global COP29 agenda, the 10th anniversary of Femmes Digitales, and the Professional Day of Communications and IT Workers.
AWITA 2024 highlighted the importance of technology and gender equality for sustainable development in the context of the COP29 global agenda. Over 500 guests, including parliamentarians, ambassadors, government officials, leaders of tech companies, university rectors, students, and young professionals, gathered to celebrate the achievements of women in tech and their contributions to Azerbaijan’s economic and social development.
One of the key features of AWITA 2024 was the introduction of a new nomination category — “AI Choice Award”, where artificial intelligence was used to evaluate applications for the first time. An AI platform analyzed all nominees based on predefined criteria, selecting three finalists and one winner. This category symbolized the integration of technology, impartiality, and innovation, showcasing how AI can inspire and recognize talent while encouraging women to reach new heights.
The event also introduced the members of the newly established Honorary Advisory Board of Femmes Digitales, which includes leading global innovators and advocates for gender equality. Among the members are:
- Salma Abbasi– Chairperson of eWorldwide Group (UK)
- Fariz Ismailzade– Member of Parliament, Vice-Rector of ADA University (Azerbaijan)
- Fariz Jafarov– Executive Director of the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4SIM, Azerbaijan)
- Amy Peck– Co-founder and CEO of EndeavorVR, a global VR/AR strategy consulting company, named among “Top 100 Women of the Future” (USA)
- Bianka Swinska– President of Perspektywy Women in Tech and member of the Digitalization Council at the Ministry of Digital Affairs (Poland)
- Zibeida Hajiyeva– Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at PASHA Bank
and many others.
Speeches from Honorary Advisory Board members, including Nigyar Arpadarai, Member of Parliament and UN COP29 High-Level Climate Champion; Ahmed Larouz, Entrepreneur and Author of Women in Cleantech Ecosystem (Netherlands); Kristina Ojuland, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs (Estonia); and Assem Bolatzhan, Advisor to the Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry (Kazakhstan), emphasized the importance of innovation and inclusivity.
Founded in 2014, Femmes Digitales has become a beacon of inspiration and opportunity for thousands of women and girls across Azerbaijan, including those in rural areas. Its educational programs, training sessions, and mentoring initiatives are conducted on a charitable basis, opening new horizons for women in technology.
Jana Krimpe, founder and chairwoman of Femmes Digitales, noted:
“AWITA is not just an award; it is a powerful source of inspiration. Our mission is to show women that technology offers endless opportunities and to help them realize their potential. We believe that half of our country’s population must actively participate in digital transformation and economic development. That is why we strive to involve Azerbaijani women in the tech industry, giving them a chance to grow and achieve new heights.”
The awards were presented by industry leaders, including Fergus Auld OBE, British Ambassador to Azerbaijan; Inara Valiyeva, Chair of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency; Tural Mammadov, Head of the State Special Communication and Information Security Service; Vusal Rustamov, Director of the Innovation Center under the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations; and other distinguished professionals.
More than 200 applications were received from across the country. A jury of 30 experts, including IT leaders and public figures, selected 33 finalists and 12 winners from the following categories:
- AI Choice Award: Winner: Aytaj Abdurahmanova
- Inclusive Employer of the Year: Winner: MONT
- Founder/CEO/CIO of the Year: Winner: Turkan Farzaliyeva
- Contribution to ICT in Remote Regions: Winner: Gulyaar Bayramova
- Digital Leader in the Public Sector: Winner: Khanim Dashdamirova
- Academic Award: Winner: Nailya Allahverdiyeva
- Digital Transformation Leader: Winner: Narmin Sultanova
- Hardware/Software Designer of the Year: Winner: Narmina Talibova
- Mentor of the Year: Winner: Sayyara Huseynova
- Startup Founder: Winner: Leman Aliyeva
- Rising Star: Winner: Zarafshan Gasimova
- Jury’s Choice: Winner: Nigar Alishzade
The ceremony was supported by platinum sponsors B.EST Solutions and Asan Imza, gold sponsor PASHA Bank, silver sponsors STEP IT Academy and Eset, as well as other contributors: BESTCOMP Group, Jet Infosystems, Databiz, Pasha Technology, Fominov Consulting, Smart Solutions, Azercell, The HERITAGE of Caucasian Albania, and Hillside. The main partner of the event was the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4SIM), with support from the State Special Communication and Information Security Service, the Innovation Center under the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations, the Center for Economic Reforms and Communication, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan, ASAN Radio, BloomGroup, and InfoCity.
The fourth AWITA ceremony and the 10th anniversary of Femmes Digitales highlighted the significance of female leadership in IT and opened a new chapter in advancing technology and inclusivity in Azerbaijan. Inspired by past successes, the Public Union continues to pave the way for the next generation of women ready to change the world.
Femmes Digitales: 10 Years of Inspiration, Innovation, and Success!
