Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Following a moment of silence and the National Anthem, an introductory film regarding Kırşehir was shown. Afterwards, TOBB Kırşehir Women Entrepreneurs Council Chair Seher Ünsal welcomed the attendees provided information regarding Akhism and the Bacıyan-ı Rum (“Anatolian Women Union”). Stating that the Bacıyan-ı Rum is the women’s arm of Akhism, Ünsal expressed their belief that this organization which budded in Turkey has been an example throughout the world, providing an important contribution.

Kırşehir Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chair Selahattin Ekicioğlu, stressing the importance of the saying that there is no future without women, stated that women’s place in Turkey is not where it should be, “Atatürk is women’s right to vote and be elected; it means gender equality and independence. This is very important for us. Rights are not given, but claimed. It is our duty to help you claim these rights.”

Following the opening speeches TOBB Women Entrepreneurs Council Chair Evrim Aras, TOBB Ankara Women Entrepreneurs Council Chair and Central Anatolia Representative Serpil Polat and TOBB Kayseri Women Entrepreneurs Council Executive Committee Member Zuhal Gözüküçük took part in a panel.

TOBB Kayseri Women Entrepreneurs Council Executive Committee Member Zuhal Gözüküçük stated that TOBB Women Entrepreneurs Council is Turkey’s largest women’s organization. Gözüküçük drew attention to the need for intermediary personnel and informed the attendees in regards to their efforts in addressing this issue via Vocational High Schools and EU Projects.

TOBB Ankara Women Entrepreneurs Council Chair and Central Anatolia Representative Serpil Polat stated that they have brought together many practitioners of crafts to promote Turkish culture and to ensure that these ancient traditions are preserved.

TOBB Women Entrepreneurs Council Chair Evrim Aras stated that by adopting a culture of sharing with their employees they have become a more successful company and have progressed greatly in regards to branding.

Following the panel, awards were presented to the winners of the “Women Entrepreneurship in History and Today” oil painting competition.