Mehmet Harmancı: “Feeling the power of a university ranked among the top 500 in the world behind us will give us great hope.”
On November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Near East University and Nicosia Turkish Municipality joined forces to combat violence against women. The protocol, signed by Nicosia Turkish Mayor Mehmet Harmancı and Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, includes a wide range of services for women staying at the NTM Women’s Shelter, from free access to healthcare and psychological support to oral and dental health and vocational training.
The signing ceremony, hosted by Near East Enterprises Board of Trustees Chairman Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel and held at Near East University Hospital, was also attended by Sibel Demirpençe, Social Services Branch Manager from the Nicosia Turkish Municipality; Ömür Yılmaz, Women’s Shelter Coordinator; Name Sarıkaya, Women’s Shelter Manager; and Münevver Atakan, Deputy Mayor. Also, the ceremony was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayça Atay, President of the Gender Research and Application Center (TOCAM); and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayten Erçoban, Vice President of TOCAM, from Near East University.
Prior to the ceremony, awareness events were held on the Near East University campus. Academics, students, and many other participants participated in an awareness walk that demonstrated a strong public stance against violence against women. Following the signing, the “Diary” exhibition, featuring photographs taken by women staying at the NTM Women’s Shelter, opened in the İrfan Günsel Congress Center Exhibition Hall.
Near East University stands with women experiencing violence!
Under the protocol, women and children referred by the Nicosia Turkish Municipality Women’s Shelter will receive free examinations at the relevant outpatient clinics at Near East University Hospital and Near East University Dental Hospital. Laboratory tests and medical imaging procedures will also be provided free of charge if necessary following these examinations. Oral and dental health examinations and treatments needed by women and children will also be provided free of charge. Professional therapist support will also be provided free of charge to women and children identified as needing psychotherapy. Furthermore, women who have just given birth will receive counseling services on breastfeeding, baby care, and the postpartum period.
Near East University will also provide free educational programs to women staying at the shelter to prepare them for work, gain professional skills, and support their personal development. The protocol also specifically states that all information regarding women and children will be kept confidential in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Law. The protocol will be implemented by the Near East University Gender Research and Application Center.
Mehmet Harmancı: “Feeling the power of a university ranked among the top 500 in the world behind us will give us great hope.”
At the signing ceremony, Nicosia Turkish Mayor Mehmet Harmancı stated that the shelter has offered a new hope for life to over 300 women since 2016, adding that the protocol signed with Near East University will further strengthen support mechanisms. Harmancı said, “Feeling the power of a university ranked among the top 500 in the world behind us will give us great hope.”
In his speech, Harmancı also highlighted the increase in violence in recent years, saying, “Nearly 900 calls for violence were received by the police this year. Only a fraction of these were directed to women’s shelters. Therefore, it is extremely important to show women that they have a choice, that they are not alone, and to announce that these channels are open.” Harmancı stated that he believes the signed protocol will significantly increase the support capacity offered to women, saying, “We believe that we will establish a stronger system with the cooperation of Near East University. I thank everyone who contributed to this process.”
Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel: “A university is truly a university if it can progress by studying, understanding, and transforming its city and country.”
Beginning his speech by referring to Near East University’s vision centered on social responsibility, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Near East University, emphasized that sensitivity to gender equality is an integral part of the university’s institutional culture.
Recalling the words of Dr. Suat İrfan Günsel, Founding Rector of Near East University, that “Universities are the looms of society,” Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “A university is truly a university if it can advance by studying, understanding, and transforming its city and country.” Prof. Dr. Günsel said, “We have achieved great success by ranking among the world’s top 500 universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) ‘2026 World University Rankings.’ We have achieved a goal we dreamed of. This success places a greater responsibility on us today than it did yesterday; we must strive for better every day.” Prof. Dr. Günsel continued, “We should all be ashamed of living in societies where one person can inflict violence on another. We are a small but civilized society; we must demonstrate a stance that can serve as an example to the world. Our university will continue to do its utmost, with a strong team, to fulfill this responsibility.”
Tamer Şanlıdağ: “I believe the collaboration we have signed will make a real difference in women’s lives.”
Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ also stated his belief that the protocol will make a real difference in women’s lives, saying, “I am very happy and proud. Being together and in solidarity with women gives me strength; I feel stronger and more confident.” Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ continued as follows, “This step we are taking here today is invaluable for raising awareness, ensuring voices are heard, and further strengthening social awareness against violence against women. I believe the collaboration we have signed will make a real difference in women’s lives. I thank everyone who contributed to this meaningful process.”