From Maktabs to Modern Classrooms: Gender Dynamics and the Evolution of Teacher Education in Azerbaijan

This article traces the historical evolution of education in Azerbaijan, focusing on the central role women have played in shaping the teaching profession from the early Islamic maktab system to contemporary post-Soviet reforms. Through a detailed historical lens, it examines how political, cultural, and economic forces – from the Russian Empire to the Soviet Union and independent Azerbaijan – have influenced the feminization of teaching. The paper further explores the theoretical foundations and practical challenges of implementing gender-sensitive pedagogy in Azerbaijani teacher education. Drawing on feminist educational theory and regional data, the study reveals significant gaps in curriculum, institutional support, and societal readiness for transformative gender reform. Finally, the article proposes a strategic framework for embedding gender awareness into teacher training, emphasizing curriculum reform, faculty development, and community engagement as key levers of change.The conclusion notes that in Azerbaijan, efforts to embed gender awareness into teacher training are still in their early stages. To address disparities, gender-sensitive teacher education is not merely an academic aspiration but a pressing societal necessity. Advancing gender equality in education requires more than isolated initiatives. It demands a coordinated approach grounded in international best practices and adapted to local realities. Policy commitment, institutional transformation, and ongoing cultural dialogue are essential for building an education system that not only reflects but actively shapes a more equitable future.