The traditional “Inspiring Women of Sakarya” event of TOBB Sakarya Provincial Women Entrepreneurs Council, which carries out its activities within the Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was organized with a great participation this year.
In the panel moderated by announcer Merve Toy and with Sakarya Deputy Governor Selda Dural as the guest of honor, İpek Üstündağ, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Şenpiliç, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gamze Güney Eskiler, Faculty Member of SAU Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, and Cahide Yüksel Yücel, Deputy Chairperson of TOBB Sakarya Provincial Women Entrepreneurs Council, shared their experiences and advice with the participants.
“This Event Reflects Our Determination”
SCCI Chairman of Assembly Erdem Ercan made the opening speech of the event. Chairman of Assembly Ercan pointed out that the development journey of societies that keep women out of the process will be incomplete and stated the following: "Throughout all ages, women's labor and presence have been of irrefutable significance in terms of both social, social and economic development. The world is changing rapidly and in order to survive in this process and more importantly to leap forward, women, who make up more than half of our population, have a crucial role to play.
Today, more than ever, Turkey needs the efforts and input of its women. Women's greater participation in the workforce and production is a necessity rather than a choice. No society that excludes women’s intellect, labor, and creativity from its production processes can complete its path to development.
As Sakarya, we can lead with this vision. Today, you will hear from powerful role models who embody this perspective. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this meaningful meeting and I hope that the number of such empowered women will increase.
“I Consider SCCI’s Work in High Regard”
Sakarya Deputy Governor Selda Dural, who greeted the participants by taking the floor after the Speaker of the Assembly Erdem Ercan, stated; "The problem of gender equality and equal opportunity is not a new problem, they have been a matter of concern throughout history and across all societies.
Around the world, significant legal reforms and constitutional amendments have been enacted to safeguard women’s rights and ensure their protection under the law and our country is among the leading countries in this regard.
Conventional stereotypes, social norms, prejudices and the accumulation of inequality of opportunity are the most important reasons behind this ongoing issue. My profession—public administration—has long been perceived as a male-dominated field. However, the constitutional reforms of the 1990s helped pave the way for women, and I am honored to be one of the first women to enter the profession. We are role models for girls in the places where we work, and this makes us happy.
During the event moderated by sports journalist and broadcaster Merve Toy, participants engaged in a lively discussion on women’s entrepreneurship, gender equality, and personal journeys.
“It is Necessary to Change the Mindset”
İpek Üstündağ, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Şenpiliç, stated:" Next year will mark my 40th year in business. Unfortunately, our country still lags behind in terms of women’s participation in the workforce. Today, sorry to say, there are no women on the board of 119 companies registered on the Istanbul Stock Exchange. The issue is not only about employment—equal conditions and opportunities must also be created at the leadership level. We need to change the prevailing mindset.”
“Women Are Stubborn in Pursuit of Success”
SAU Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biology Department Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gamze Güney Eskiler said, "I am a healthcare professional and our job is with people and society. The first thing we need to do is to come together as women. If we are united, we will have a much stronger voice."
“We are Stronger Together”
Cahide Yüksel Yücel, Deputy Chairperson of TOBB Sakarya Provincial Women Entrepreneurs Board, said:” I have collaborated with people in hundreds of companies for years as part of my job. Today, we are not only discussing HR—we are focusing more on human rights, gender equality, sustainability, and the rights of women and children. SCCI is a truly inclusive institution that embraces businesspeople, Business women and entrepreneurs, which we sincerely feel. There is always room to share advice and experience with one another.”
News Date : 20/4/2025