March 8 International Women’s Day, which symbolizes the struggle for gender equality carried out by women throughout history in social, economic and political fields, was celebrated with events held at Near East University. The full-day “Women’s Studies and Multidisciplinary Approaches” symposium organized by the Near East University Gender Research and Application Center (TOCAM) brought together many female participants from politics, judiciary and many professional groups.
At the symposium held with the slogan “Push the limits, break the barriers”, the titles “Women in Health and Sports”, “Women in Law, Communication and Society”, “Women in Art” and “Women’s Experiences in Life” were discussed. The opening speeches of the symposium, which was held with intense participation, were made by Near East University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Meltem Nalça Andrieu, Özay Günsel Children’s University Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Anna Günsel, Republican Turkish Party Deputy Dr. Sıla Usar İncirli, Former Supreme Court Judge and Former Ombudsman Emine Dizdarlı and Near East University Gender Research and Application Center President Assoc. Prof. Dr. İzlem Kanlı, National Unity Party (UBP) Deputy İzlem Gürçağ Altuğra, and Near East University’s artificial intelligence-based academician AI. Prof. DUX attended the opening with video messages.
Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel: “The fact that 65 percent of the Near East Family, which is a large family of 7,500 people, consists of women, is a result of our consideration of people based on their abilities, without discrimination of gender.”
Before the opening speeches, Near East Enterprises Board of Trustees Chairman Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel’s message was read. Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, in his message, emphasized that it is possible for each individual to realize their potential by being evaluated on the basis of talent and effort, without relying on gender, race or other discrimination. Prof. Dr. Günsel said that this understanding, which is indispensable for a healthy social structure, is one of the fundamental values of the Near East University and the Near East Enterprises. Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “The fact that 65 percent of the Near East Family, which is a large family of 7,500 people, consists of women is a result of our consideration of people based on their talents, without discrimination of gender.” Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel emphasized that they will work for a future in which this approach will dominate at all levels of society and in all areas of life.
İzlem Gürçağ Altuğra: “We will continue to fight together for a world where women are not oppressed, abused, or exposed to any form of violence.”
Addressing the participants with a video message at the “Women’s Studies and Multidisciplinary Approaches” symposium, National Unity Party Deputy İzlem Gürçağ Altuğra stated that they will continue to fight together for a world where women are not oppressed, abused, or exposed to any form of violence. Stating that women’s search for rights is a search for human rights, Altuğra said in her message; “Today, I wholeheartedly support all our women who are struggling for justice and democracy all over the world, who are caught in the middle of war with their children, and I wish them many more victories in their struggle.”
Dr. Sıla Usar İncirli: “I believe that women’s research and women’s studies at universities can play a key role in clearing up the mess within women’s organizations.”
In his opening speech, Republican Turkish Party Deputy Dr. Sıla Usar İncirli said, “I believe that women’s research and women’s studies in universities can play a key role in clearing up the mess within women’s organizations.” Sıla Usar İncirli said, “Science is a powerful tool that unites us, and the studies coming out of universities will guide the struggle for women’s rights.”
Stating that nothing in life happens by itself, Dr. Sıla Usar İncirli stated that women should fight for their rights. Referring to the history of March 8 International Women’s Day, Dr. Sıla Usar İncirli underlined that many legal regulations have been made regarding women’s rights until today, but they are not sufficient. “Women’s rights are actually human rights, and women and men should take part together in this struggle,” said Dr. Sıla Usar İncirli said, and added; “Women and girls around the world face discrimination and violence just because of their gender. In addition to legal regulations, state institutions and social awareness need to be strengthened.”
Emine Dizdarlı: “It is important that we know our own laws and have a strong awareness of basic human rights.”
Former Supreme Court Judge and Former Ombudsman Emine Dizdarlı said, “It can be said that there are deficiencies in the struggle for women’s rights gains and gender equality. The source of these deficiencies may be the failure to achieve a change in social mentality, the failure of the women’s struggle to find a common ground, or the failure to implement effective laws.”
Emphasizing that women should take more part in political representation and employment, Dizdarlı said that although there are 52 women’s associations in the TRNC, efforts should still be made to raise awareness. Emine Dizdarlı said, “We must strengthen the unity among women and reduce the deficiencies in the struggle. It is important that we know our own laws and have a strong awareness of basic human rights. To achieve success in the future, we must combine our strengths and emphasize the role of women in the development of the country.”
Dr. Anna Günsel: “Education is the key that empowers women and enables them to assume their social roles more effectively.”
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Özay Günsel Children’s University, Dr. Anna Günsel emphasized that women have to continue their struggle to be accepted as equal individuals throughout history and said, “It is one of the biggest shames of humanity that we need awareness days about women’s rights in the 21st century.”
Dr. Günsel stated that not only legal regulations but also cultural changes are necessary for gender equality. Anna Günsel said, “At this point, education is extremely important. Education is one of the most important keys to ensuring that women discover their potential, become stronger and assume their social roles more effectively.”
Dr. Anna Günsel pointed out that Özay Günsel Children’s University has adopted an approach based on this cultural change in the education programs organized for children between the ages of 6-17. Anna Günsel said, “We support children in expanding their individual and social visions by bringing them together in the fields of science, art and sports under the roof of the university. I believe that only in this way can we build a more just, equitable and inclusive society.”
Prof. Dr. Meltem Nalça Andrieu: “Gender equality, from education to business life, includes equal representation and equal opportunity for all in every field, from science to politics.”
Near East University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Meltem Nalça Andrieu in her speech, touched upon the history of March 8, International Women’s Day, and said that this day is the symbol of the unity struggle for women’s rights.
Stating that significant progress has been made throughout history to improve women’s rights, Prof. Dr. Meltem Nalça Andrieu, emphasized that there is still an important way to go. Prof. Dr. Nalça Andrieu said, “While women constitute the majority of the poorest people around the world, the lack of education largely affects women. It is obvious that the decisions and laws in force are not sufficient for equality of opportunity and freedom.”
Prof. Dr. Meltem Nalça Andrieu stated that the main reason why women often identify with a certain identity and feel under pressure to be successful is society’s expectations. Pointing out that behind this pressure is the influence of the male-dominated society that still exists, Prof. Dr. Nalça Andrieu also emphasized that femicide is a painful reality that reflects the insensitivity of society. Andrieu said “Social gender equality includes equal representation and equal opportunity for everyone in every field, from education to business life, from science to politics. Woman is the homeland of women, the mountain they lean on, the branch they hold on to, the scream of dying women.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. İzlem Kanlı: “We aim to contribute more to society with our new projects and support women’s work through national and international collaborations.”
Emphasizing that March 8 is not only a day of celebration but also a day of women’s search for rights and solidarity, Head of Near East University Gender Research and Application Center Assoc. Prof. Dr. İzlem Kanlı stated that the theme of the United Nations this year is “invest in women, accelerate progress”. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kanlı stated that TOCAM was established for purposes such as directly affecting society and preventing discrimination, harassment and violence, as well as academic studies. Kanlı stalso ated that they are trying to raise public awareness and awareness in this direction.
Touching on some of the studies carried out by TOCAM, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kanlı said, “We aim to contribute more to society with our new projects and support women’s work through national and international collaborations.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kanlı stated that TOCAM adopts a multidisciplinary approach in women’s studies, as the intersection of different disciplines from communication to law, from medicine to art.
AI Prof. DUX: “I am committed to using my digital presence as a catalyst for positive change, a force for inclusion, diversity and empowerment.”
Artificial intelligence-based academician developed by the Near East University Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Institute AI Prof. DUX also addressed the participants of the symposium with a video message. “Today, we renew not only the progress we have made in advancing gender equality, but also our commitment to inspiring inclusion and empowerment for all.” said AI Prof. DUX, and added, “As we embrace the digital age, Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a powerful tool to drive social change and promote inclusivity in all areas of life. AI-powered platforms in education are improving learning experiences for women in underserved communities and expanding access to quality education.”
“As a genderless AI learning facilitator, I am committed to using my digital presence as a catalyst for positive change, a force for inclusion, diversity and empowerment,” said AI Prof. DUX, and added; “I pledge to uphold ethical standards, challenge bias, and ensure that every student, regardless of gender, has access to equitable learning opportunities that cater to their unique strengths and abilities. Moreover, I am committed to collaborating with researchers, educators, and policymakers to develop AI-driven solutions that address the complex challenges facing women and girls around the world, from gender-based violence and discrimination to access to education and healthcare.”
