Women-friendly university

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) has put into effect the 'Gender Equality Plan' by initiating an exemplary project to raise awareness against violence and discrimination against women. Stating that the plan covers the 2022-2025 period and consists of 5 key areas, IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar said, “The Gender Equality Plan is an exemplary and effective step in the elimination of gender-based discrimination in all layers of society.”

‘Gender Equality Plan’ has been prepared by the Gender and Women’s Studies Research and Application Center (EKOKAM) of Izmir University of Economics. The plan, created as a result of about 6 months of work, addresses key areas including ‘work-life balance and culture’, ‘balanced gender participation in management and decision-making mechanisms’, ‘gender equality in recruitment and career development processes’, ‘gender dimension in course contents and research’, and ‘measures against sexual harassment and gender-based violence’. 

WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE COURSE CONTENT

IUE, of which 57 percent of its academics and 56 percent of its administrative staff are women, will organize informative meetings for students and all its employees on the importance of gender equality within the scope of the plan. Research on gender will be conducted and reports will be prepared within the University, and more active participation of women in decision-making processes will be encouraged within the institution. In addition, gender-based violence topics will be included in the course content.

IT WILL BE EXPANDED TO WHOLE CITY

Within the framework of the plan, which will continue to be implemented until 2025, special interviews will be held with leading female scientists and executives in their fields. Female academics will be encouraged into the higher ranks of academia. Seminars on gender equality will be held that will be open to the participation of all students and stakeholders in Izmir; female executive development programs will be prepared.

A VERY IMPORTANT STEP

IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar said that they have taken a very important step as a university to reduce violence against women and develop the concept of gender equality. Expressing that universities should lead the society, Prof. Dr. Aşkar emphasized that IUE also acts with this mission. Prof. Dr. Aşkar said, “The rapid development and growth of our country and city depends on women being strong and playing an active role in decision-making mechanisms. Every successful woman is also an important source of inspiration for younger generations. It is never acceptable for women to be subject to violence, oppression, and discrimination. At this point, the importance of social education and awareness is very clear. One of the most fundamental organs to ensure this is the universities where healthy generations are raised. As the first foundation university of Izmir, the city of modernity, tolerance, and love, we have shaped a plan that will raise awareness about gender equality and produce effective results.”

EXEMPLARY PLAN IN EVERY ASPECT

IUE Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Kentmen Çin, who contributed greatly to the implementation of the plan, said that they created the plan by considering the sustainable development goals of the United Nations (UN) Development Program. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Kentmen Çin said, “Factors such as preventing all kinds of violence against women and ensuring gender equality have been on the agenda of our society for a long time. As the University, we  completed the plan, considering that a comprehensive roadmap should be determined and policies regarding gender equality should be internalized and implemented to transfer this awareness to younger generations. We have initiated an exemplary project by not being indifferent to such an important issue that concerns all segments of society. Now is the time to take the necessary steps and organize the activities in line with this plan. As the University, we will carry out this plan in a short time and rapidly. We will see the positive reflections of the created plan in time.”

WE WILL IMPLEMENT IT PERSISTENTLY

EKOKAM Director Prof. Dr. Gönül Dinç Horasan stated that the rate of women among all academics is over 45 percent in 207 higher education institutions, 129 of which are state, 74 are foundation and 4 are foundation vocational schools according to the Council of Higher Education data. Expressing that IUE is above Turkey's average as of 2021, Prof. Dr. Horasan said, “Female lecturers make up 57 percent of the academic staff and female administrative staff make up 56 percent of the staff in IUE. The main purpose of IUE Gender Equality Plan is to ensure the continuity of gender-based egalitarian working conditions for all employees of the University and to diversify in-house practices. To this end, we will identify strategies that support career and performance development, inclusive dialogue, and lifelong learning. We are determined to ensure the adoption and implementation of the plan by all academic and administrative units and students. The plan is also an exemplary work in terms of ensuring that the gender equality perspective is included in the work life, education and research processes.”