I am a female programmer from Ashgabat.

As a child, I dreamed of becoming a translator, connecting my life with the language, traveling, meeting people. I started earning in the summer camp from the 7th grade and I spent all my money on English classes. Computers and mathematics were not my favorite subjects at school.

After I finished school, I applied to the International University for the Humanities and Development. The reason why I chose this university is that studies are solely conducted in English. And I chose the specialty from the list of what was offered as did many of us. It seemed that the field of computer engineering is promising and will be well paid. At the age of 18, I didn’t know that this profession best suits for male or female, but in practice it turned out that people still have an idea of ​​what a girl should and should not do.

As a student, I was an active participant in many extracurricular activities. I launched the “Engineers’ Club.” My team won a prize at the international robotics competition in Beijing.

After successful studies, I decided to teach at the university. As a teacher, I won first place in the competition of young scientists of Turkmenistan with an online learning project. I prepared students for the Olympiad and acted as a speaker at GDG (Google Developers Group) seminars. I enjoyed working with young people and sharing my knowledge. At the same time, I worked in an IT company, where I was involved in the development of several online trading and document management projects. But the idea to develop something of my own did not leave me. I have been moving towards this for several years and now, I am planning to launch a mobile application.

Having chosen an “unusual” profession for a woman or a man, you need to be prepared for distrust, suspicious eyes and questions. In my case, skepticism of my groupmates and colleagues towards me, made me want to prove that women are no worse than men in computer technology sphere. I was openly told that I could not manage IT, some doubted my professionalism and knowledge. I am fully aware of my skills, and it remains unclear to me why such stereotypes exists, and why only boys are taking leading positions in IT.

I am sure that women can succeed in any profession, regardless of gender and social status. Skills and knowledge must be above all social stereotypes and norms of behavior are established by society. If you asked me what advice I want to give, it is not to waste time in vain, to study a lot and hard, to show what you deserve by deed. Choose your path and don't stand still. Do not listen to those who are not your role models, who try to offend you or say that you are not able to do it.

I believe that every girl should try herself in the field that she likes. Take risks, learn and do not stand still.