A significant panel discussion themed "Stronger Together for Women" was organized under the coordination and leadership of Sakarya University's Social Contribution and Sustainability Coordination Office (TOKAS) on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
The event, which included Akcoat's main institutional partners: Akkök Holding, Sakarya Violence Prevention and Monitoring Center (ŞÖNİM), A&B Communications, Armaş Foundation, Sakarya University Center for Economic and Social Research (SESAM), Sakarya University In-Service Training Directorate, and Sakarya University's Office of Science Communication, fostered a strong foundation for solidarity in line with the university's vision of social contribution and sustainability.
Discussions Focused on Social Benefit with Broad Participation
The panel, held at Sakarya University's Turgut Özal Culture and Congress Center and drawing a broad audience, addressed topics such as the role of universities in combating violence against women, women's social and economic empowerment, employment, the right to a safe life, and support mechanisms. Stakeholders' best practices focused on social benefit, women's employment, and equality were also presented.
The panel featured speakers including Sakarya University Social Contribution Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gözde Sezen Gültekin, Akkök Holding CHRO Duygu Erzurumlu Cengiz, A&B Communications Board Chair Sibel Asna Özesmi, Armaş Foundation Board Director Gonca Doğan, Sociologist Hilal Zülal Kaya from Sakarya ŞÖNİM, and Akcoat Weighing Machine Operator Havva Kamış. Sakarya University SESAM Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ümmügülsüm Zor also spoke on behalf of our institution.
"Violence against women is a multifaceted problem that violates human rights"
Sakarya University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Özer Köseoğlu delivered the panel's opening speech, emphasizing the importance of November 25th, stating that violence against women is a multifaceted problem that violates human rights and that it is critical for all stakeholders to act together in this fight.
Following the opening speech, Dr. The polyphonic choir performance of "Ünzile," "Adım Kadın," and "Kırım Türküsü" (Crimea Folk Song) by the Sakarya University Music Student Society, whose academic chair is Hacı Bekir Kurşunet, added an artistic and emotional dimension to the event.
Women Leaders from the Business World and Academia Gather
The panel, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gözde Sezen Gültekin, consisted of two sessions. In the first part, Hilal Zülal Kaya from ŞÖNİM addressed support mechanisms, while Armaş Foundation Director Gonca Doğan addressed examples of women's empowerment in civil society.
In the second session, women leaders from the business world and academia made important assessments on women's employment and equal opportunities in the workplace.
A & B Communications Board Chair Sibel Asna Özesmi discussed the position of women in the workforce on a global scale.
Sakarya University SESAM Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ümmügülsüm Zor shared regional employment data and offered an important academic perspective. Duygu Erzurumlu Cengiz, Chief Executive Officer of Akkök Holding, addressed the institutional implications of equality policies.
Havva Kamış from Akcoat inspired the participants with her own success story.
TOKAS Emphasizes Social Transformation and Lasting Solidarity
In her closing remarks, Sakarya University Social Contribution Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gözde Sezen Gültekin emphasized the responsibility of universities for social transformation and justice, stating that such collaborations aim to create a lasting, multi-stakeholder culture of solidarity.
The panel concluded with Sakarya University Secretary General Reyhan Yıldırım presenting plaques to the panelists and a group photo. This event served as a concrete example of Sakarya University's collaborative model, which centers on its social contribution mission, sustainability approach, and women's empowerment.
