NEWS

Hosted by Istanbul Nişantaşı University and organized in cooperation with the General Directorate on the Status of Women (KSGM) of the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the "Women’s Policies Focused on Istanbul" Search Conference brought together representatives from the public sector, academia, and civil society. The conference aimed to redesign women-centered public policies in collaboration with universities and to foster strategic partnerships.

The program began with a welcoming speech by the Rector of Istanbul Nişantaşı University, Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Komsuoğlu. In her address, she emphasized that universities are not merely knowledge producers, but strategic actors providing data, analysis, and implementation support to public policies in the field of women and family studies.

Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, in her keynote speech, highlighted policies and strategies prioritizing the empowerment of women in social life. She underlined that the Women’s Empowerment Strategy Document and Action Plan has strengthened inter-institutional cooperation and shared projects that promote women's participation in economic, social, and technological fields. She also reminded that 2025 was declared the "Year of the Family."

Süreyya Erkan, General Director of KSGM, presented current statistics on women's role in society and the economy. Prof. Dr. Sezen Komsuoğlu outlined the historical development of women’s studies in Türkiye and provided a policy framework for future efforts.

Through grp studies, participants from women’s studies centers of Istanbul-based universities, ministry experts, and academics sought to enhance collaboration. The methodology of the program was introduced by Prof. Dr. Göknur Akçadağ and Müjde Çetin.

The outcomes of the conference are expected to strengthen coordination between public institutions and universities and contribute to sustainable and innovative approaches in women’s policy development.