A panel discussion held at CIU on the social status of women
On the occasion of March 8th International Women’s Day, a panel on “Women, Labor and Determination” was held by Cyprus International University Women and Gender Studies Research Center (WGSRC).
The director of WGSRC Assist. Prof. Dr. Mihrican Aylanç was the moderator and the speakers were UBP MP İzlem Gürçağ Altuğra, Atatürk Teacher’s Academy- Chairwoman of the Board Assoc.Prof.Dr. Canan Zeki, President of the Association of Business Women Selin Candemir and artist Ayhatun Ateşin.
Speaking at the opening of the Panel, CIU Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Toycan stated the importance of ensuring gender equality and giving women the dignity and respect they deserve. He said CIU’s vision was to give women more opportunities to hold managerial positions in academics or in administration.
UBP MP İzlem Gürçağ Altuğra pointed out that women are faced with sexist roles and attitudes the day they are born. Altuğra also mentioned that it is the woman, who besides being a mother, wife, and sister, shapes and transforms her society and also guides her country.
Altuğra said for women to be able to make their voices be heard, a common language should be created to maintain solidarity and to share opinions among women. The UBP MP concluded by saying that women have demonstrated outstanding success in politics as in many other fields adding politics is not a male-only field.
Chairwoman of the Board of Atatürk Teacher’s Academy, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Canan Zeki talked about how women has had to struggle to gain the right to education. She also exemplified how even children at a very young age are exposed to sexist attitudes and behaviors accepted by the society which are told in textbooks and are reflected on teacher behaviors.
For gender equality to be attained, it is essential to eliminate sexism in education. Dr. Zeki emphasized that gender is a social construction and that discrimination and social prejudices can be prevented in and through education.
President of the Association of Business Women Selin Candemir evaluated the function of non-governmental organizations in social life and the business world, and emphasized the significance of women’s participation in production. Women should benefit from education and employment opportunities on the basis of equal opportunity, should be in the forefront in economic life, and should have a distinctive role in decision making mechanisms. Candemir concluded by saying “social life, politics and economy without women is incomplete.”
Ayhatun Ateşin said in her speech that “ an emotional story that started at a factory setting has mobilized many masses who act in solidarity in quest of global women’s rights and celebrate this day as a reminder of this movement. We started to make our voices be heard about a year ago in order to eradicate femicides.”
Ateşin expressed her belief in a future created by virtuous and strong-minded women who create, produce and multiply. Women are sensitive and are graceful. They should be the key to unlock all doors.”
The panel ended with Prof. Dr. Toycan thanking the panelists and presenting them bouquets of flowers.