Series of events themed “Woman and Democracy” was conducted in Istanbul University. Istanbul Family and Social Policies Minister Selim Çelenk also attended to the program.

“Woman and Democracy” themed event, which is organized with the cooperation of Istanbul University Women’s Problems Research and Application Centre and Istanbul University Disability Research and Application Centre for the purpose of implying women’s place and importance in democracy, was conducted at IU Rectorate Building Doctorate Hall on 3rd March 2017.

The event, which is held for supporting the image of ‘powerful woman’, was started with the exhibition themed “Civilisation in the Light of Women” and the music recital by IU State Conservatory Academic Members.

All discrimination should be stopped

IU Disability Research and Application Centre Director Prof. Dr. Resa Aydın, who made a speech at the opening of the exhibition, said: “When a woman is disabled or has a disabled child, problems are getting bigger. We have made a different program with ‘Women’s Problem Research and Application Centre’ in this year in order to draw attention to these problems. I would like to express my thanks to all the guests here and greet you all with respect.” and implied the importance of the event upon stopping the discrimination and violence against women.

We should take effective steps to overcome women’s problems

IU Women’s Problems Research and Application Centre Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elif Haykır Hobikoğlu mentioned that the theme of this year is “Woman and Democracy” since our women have struggled with heart and soul in 15 July coup attack and said: “Our women have demonstrated that they are in favour of democracy with a struggle that will inspire the world. Women still face many problems in both our country and the world. As government, business world, universities and non-governmental organizations, to establish more effective cooperation mechanism at national and global level and to take steps to overcome women’s problems efficiently are our debt to the people and the next generation.”

We are ready to do everything necessary to prepare women for the future in a more positive way

In his speech, Istanbul Family and Social Policies Minister Provincial Director Selim Çelenk used these words: “The more we give importance to the place and the role of women in society and protect the equivalent value upon evaluations, the more development of our society get healthy. We are in a cooperation with scientists especially with Istanbul University so that women can carry out their place in society, their education, and their respectable duties to society. As Family and Social Policies Ministry, we enter upon a new way apart from all of the things for which we are responsible, with the motto ‘No tolerance to violence’ in order to stop the violence against women, and we are ready to do everything necessary to prepare women for the future in a more positive way.”

The effectiveness of the woman in our university is above the average of Turkey

Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Rector of Istanbul University Prof. Dr. Mahmut Ak, emphasized that this collaboration between the two institutions of Istanbul University will generate very good results and give us significant outputs. Emphasizing that Istanbul University is proud of the presence of women within the institution not just on 8 March but every day, IU Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmut Ak said, “We have 260 thousand students, and 138 thousand of them are women. Considering our future, it is an important resource for our administrative and academic staff. Almost all of our students who rank among the top three and therefore are awarded at every graduation ceremony are female students. The presence and status of women in our university are higher than the average of Turkey. This is something that makes us proud.”

Prof. Dr. Mahmut Ak, who noted that Istanbul University is a very open university, added “We have lots of programs available in our continuing education centers. We are happy to see that our women are willing to participate in a significant part of these programs. In this respect, we must announce that these programs are to be introduced further and that we are here to serve the women who want to equip themselves with any sort of knowledge, skills and abilities. On the other hand, there is a second university program available in our Faculty of Open and Distance Education, where our citizens, who are currently studying in or have graduated from a university, can register directly without entering any test. This program is a powerful mechanism by which women who are engaged in a profession or who work in their homes can participate in higher education.”

Following the opening speeches, Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmut Ak presented a plate to Selim Çelenk, Istanbul Provincial Director of Family and Social Policy, and was presented a plate by IU ENUYGAR Director Prof. Dr. Resa Aydın. Later on, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place and the guests viewed the exhibition.

IU ENUYGAR Art Workshop Coordinator, Glass and Ceramics Artist Özlem Özer Tuğal, IU ENUYGAR Employee and Sculpture Artist Mahbube Akar and Artist Burcu Özan emphasized and interpreted the place of women in art through their works.

Following the opening of the exhibition, a music concert was organized by the faculty members of the State Conservatoire of Istanbul University.

The event continued with the panel “Women and Democracy”. Uskudar University Head of the Center for the Superior Intelligence Halide İncekara delivered a speech titled “Political Women’s Power”, KADEM Business and Economy Group President Arzu Odabaşı gave a speech titled “Women and Democracy”, ENGKAD member Attorney Gizem Tanay Aksaç talked about “There are Disabled Women”, FODER Founder Özlem Denizmen gave a speech for “Women’s Power for Transformation”, Vice President of the Down Syndrome Association Fulya Ekmen delivered a speech titled “Being a Mother to a Child with Disability” under the moderation of IU ENUYGAR Center Manager Prof. Dr. Resa Aydın and KSAUM Vice Presid ent Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hülya Kesici Çalışkan.

The panel ended with the presentation of plates and thank-you certificates to the panelists.

Story: Yağmur KABAN, Gasia KOÇSAHYAN

Translated by İrem YAŞAR and Eda AYDEMİR