Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Presidents and members of Aydın, Manisa, Kütahya provinces participated to the programme which was organised upon invitation of TOBB Van Women’s Initiative President Semra Odabaşı.

TOBB Van Women’s Initiative President Semra Odabaşı expressed her gladness for hosting TOBB Provincial Women’s Initiative Presidents and members from Aegean region in Van. Odabaşı. She said “We must work with the consideration of as women what can we do within the economy and how further we can advance in our careers. Our country will change a lot and each one of will play a role in such change.”

During her speech TOBB Aegean Regional Representative and TOBB Aydın Women’s Initiative President Esen Türker said that she had the opportunity to acknowledge the region during Bingöl National Women’s Initiative Conference which was held last year in September and they planned that programme to enable other women entrepreneurs from Aegean region to observe and utilise current potential too.  

Türker stated that she was pleased to be in Van and said “One of the major obstacle for women employment in our country is woman who work on minimum wages ending her career after getting married. If no parent is available to look after the child they get obliged to leave the job for mothering her child. From this point of view we as the Board have constructed a kindergarten. Children of our women who work in organised industrial zone shall attend to this kindergarten. We made a great effort, worked very hard to open this school. This is our duty. We must do it.”

Türker said “We are celebrating 10^th anniversary of TOBB Women’s Initiative Board. Within this context we are organising various events. We greatly thank TOBB President Esteemed Rıfat Hsarcıklıoğlu who formed this board and enable us as women entrepreneurs to establish union of forces.”

Launching forth by thanking TOBB President Esteemed Rıfat Hisarcıklıoğlu, TOBB Manisa Women’s Initiative President Kadın Nilgün Aksoy pointed out that there were many young participants in the hall. During her speech she underlined the importance of learning foreign language.  She said “Learn a foreign language, do not waste time playing online games. Use the internet as background formation.”

Addressing that men had more opportunity to develop collaboration because they were able to get together in many social environments TOBB Kütahya Women’s Initiative President Aylin Girgin Oğuz told “unfortunately for us as women same environments are not available.   This is a handicap for us. We can only get together in Chamber of Commerce.” She also said “As TOBB Kütahya Women’s Initiative we design projects but right now the most important thing for Kütahya is to establish woman unity. Availing this opportunity I would like to thank our TOBB President Esteemed Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu for enabling our formation.”

Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Necdet Takva also said “Half of our population is women. We will not be able to achieve development unless we enable women population to touch every parts of life.” Takva inviting Aegean women entrepreneurs to the region by saying “Come over and have knowledge of our potential. We are ready to provide you with all the support and opportunity.” also he said “Do not look for a job in public sector, establish your own business.”

Later on during the programme Founder of Digital Strategist and Futurist 360 Us Platform Levent Karadağ delivered a presentation. Then, Entrepreneurs Raise Hand project which shall be carried out by TOBB Van Women’s Initiative Board was introduced. Within the project students will be engaging with trade development in virtual environment.

Members Van Chamber of Trade and Industry, officials of Van Provincial Directorate for National Education along with teachers and students attended Woman’s Place in Economy and Career Panel.