The “Women and Society Symposium” organized in collaboration with Near East University and Dikmen Municipality was held with the aim of raising awareness on strengthening the role of women in social life.

Within the scope of “March 8 International Women’s Day” celebrated to draw attention to women’s struggle for social, economic and political equality, the “Women and Society Symposium” was realized in collaboration with Near East University Atatürk Faculty of Education, Preschool Teaching Department and Social Research and Development Center. The symposium, organized with the contributions of Dikmen Municipality, aimed to raise awareness on strengthening the role of women in social life.

The symposium was coordinated by Atatürk Faculty of Education Vice Dean and Preschool Teaching Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dervişe Amca Toklu, and moderated by Social Research and Development Center Chairs Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay and Prof. Dr. Fahriye Altınay. The opening speeches of the symposium, which saw intense participation, were made by Dikmen Mayor Yüksel Çelebi and Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay.

The symposium brought together many academics who are experts in their fields. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dervişe Amca Toklu addressed the topics of “Women and Parents”, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seçil Besim Ayhan addressed the topics of “Women and Creativity”, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şebnem Güldal Kan addressed the topics of “Women and Social Life”, and expert Hulin Sıddık addressed the topics of “Women and Gender Roles”. Following the presentations, Dikmen Mayor Yüksel Çelebi presented certificates of appreciation to the speakers.

A woman is a woman without being squeezed into any mold!

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dervişe Amca Toklu, who took the floor first at the symposium, touched upon the concepts of “Women and Parenthood” and drew attention to the social and individual dimensions of parenthood. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Toklu said, “The greatest supporter of working mothers should be their husbands. Men should also share the responsibility of parenting.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Toklu emphasized that parenting is not only the responsibility of the woman but also of both parents, and touched on the importance of increasing social awareness. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seçil Besim Ayhan emphasized in her presentation that creativity is an inherent characteristic of women. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan stated that creativity begins in childhood with simple activities such as drawing small pictures and playing games on the street, and that this process becomes more complex as we age.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şebnem Güldal Kan said “Women have been actors in both the visible and invisible sides of social life throughout history,” and emphasized the importance of women’s struggle for equality in society. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güldal Kan said, “The stronger women become, the stronger society becomes.” Expert Hulin Sıddık, in her speech on “Women and Gender Roles,” discussed the impact of social norms on women’s identity. Saying “Women are women without being squeezed into any mold”, Sıddık emphasized that the molds taught to women from childhood in the family, school and society should not limit women’s identities.

Institutional collaborations are very important to make women’s voices heard!

Dikmen Mayor Yüksel Çelebi stated that they came together for an important event on the place and rights of women in society and said, “Women are the cornerstone of our family, society and future. We cannot talk about a fair and equal society without their labor, love and struggle.” Stating that they work for women to take part in every area of ​​life under equal conditions as Dikmen Municipality, Çelebi stated that they shape the projects with this awareness. Stating that he believes in the power of women, Çelebi said, “We support our women to have more say in education, business life, politics and social life.”

Drawing attention to the importance of social solidarity, Near East University Social Research and Development Center President Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay said, “We have seen once again that our women can shape society by standing shoulder to shoulder. We know the value of embracing society and we cooperate with this awareness.” Emphasizing that they provide support with scientific approaches in many areas, especially for women, the elderly and children, Prof. Dr. Altınay stated that they work in solidarity with the Near East University Atatürk Faculty of Education to strengthen society. She also said that she appreciated the sensitivity of the Dikmen Municipality, which stated that this understanding should be an example for all municipalities.