NEWS

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

The program commenced with a welcoming address by Istanbul Nişantaşı University Rector Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Komsuoğlu. In her speech, Rector Komsuoğlu emphasized that universities are not merely institutions that generate knowledge in the fields of women’s and family studies, but also strategic actors providing data, analysis, and practical support for public policies. She highlighted that universities serve as platforms whr collaborations based on collective wisdom can evolve into tangible social transformation projects.

Delivering the opening address, Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş discussed policies and strategies aimed at empowering women in social life. Highlighting that the Women's Empowerment Strategy Document and Action Plan has strengthened interinstitutional cooperation, Göktaş shared information about projects designed to enable women to take more active roles in economic, social, and technological fields. She also reminded participants that 2025 had been declared the "Year of the Family."

Director General on the Status of Women Süreyya Erkan discussed women's roles in social and economic life, drawing on current statistics.

Prof. Dr. Sezen Komsuoğlu outlined the historical development of women's studies in Türkiye and presented a policy framework for promoting meaningful and successful initiatives in this field.

During the conference, Women's Research Centers at universities across Istanbul, ministry experts, and academics participated in grp discussions aimed at strengthening institutional cooperation. The conference methodology was presented 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 to women's policies.