Near East University, ranked among the top 500 universities in the world, and the Cyprus Turkish Women Entrepreneurs Association have signed a cooperation protocol to strengthen women’s entrepreneurship.
Near East University, one of the top 500 universities in the world, which focuses on social transformation through its socially responsible projects and scientific output, continues to expand its cooperation network with civil society. The Near East University Atatürk Faculty of Education and the Near East University Social Research and Development Center have signed a cooperation protocol with the Cyprus Turkish Women Entrepreneurs Association (GIKAD). This collaboration, which will strengthen solidarity between the university and civil society, aims to increase scientifically based studies aimed at reducing social inequalities.
The protocol, implemented in line with sustainable development goals, represents a significant step towards strengthening the social positions of women, children, and individuals with disabilities, supporting women’s entrepreneurship, and conducting scientific and educational activities aimed at reducing social inequalities. The protocol was signed by Prof. Dr. Umut Akçıl, Dean of the Near East University Atatürk Faculty of Education, and Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay, Prof. Dr. Fahriye Altınay, and GIKAD President Dr. İçim Çağıner Kavuklu. Kyrenia University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Gökmen Dağlı, Near East University Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dervişe Amca Toklu; and GIKAD Board Members Prof. Dr. Şerife Gündüz, Özlem Özbekoğlu, Ziynet Şah, Bilun Elmacıoğlu, and Meryem Çavuşoğlu Özkurt attended the signing ceremony, too.
Strong Cooperation for Social Equality
The protocol, which foresees support for GIKAD within the framework of different scientific fields, aims to provide academic guidance for the training programs which the association needs, develop joint research projects, and strengthen institutional capacity through data-driven studies. In addition to events such as seminars, panels, congresses, and conferences, scientific consultancy and application-oriented programs that will contribute to the development of women’s entrepreneurship will also be implemented within the framework of the cooperation. Furthermore, the aim is to directly reflect the university’s knowledge and expertise to society by designing social responsibility projects focusing on women, children, and individuals with disabilities, promoting an interdisciplinary work culture, and ensuring that academics and students take an active role in the field.
Prof. Dr. Umut Akçıl: “We consider transforming our academic knowledge and expertise into projects that benefit society as one of our primary responsibilities.”
Prof. Dr. Umut Akçıl, Dean of the Atatürk Faculty of Education at Near East University, emphasized that the signed protocol is a concrete reflection of the universities’ social responsibility mission. “We consider transforming our academic knowledge and expertise into projects that benefit society as one of our primary responsibilities. Through this collaboration with GIKAD, we will contribute to strengthening women’s entrepreneurship, supporting disadvantaged groups, and reflecting scientifically based projects in the field.” said Prof. Dr. Umut Akçıl, adding that these collaborations play a critical role in achieving sustainable development goals. Prof. Dr. Umut Akçıl emphasized that the active participation of students in this process is of great importance for them to gain valuable experience and develop their social awareness.
Dr. İçim Çağıner Kavuklu: “We believe that the projects we will develop with the support of Near East University will strengthen not only entrepreneurship but also social equality.”
Dr. İçim Çağıner Kavuklu, President of the Cyprus Turkish Women Entrepreneurs Association, emphasized that the collaboration they have established will have significant results for the development of women’s entrepreneurship. “The combination of the strengths of academia and civil society plays a decisive role in enabling women entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable success. Thanks to this protocol, we will have stronger access to the scientific knowledge our members need, and we will increase the effectiveness of women in economic and social life through education and research-based studies.” said Kavuklu, adding, “We believe that the projects we will develop with the support of Near East University will strengthen not only entrepreneurship but also social equality.”