The Entrepreneurial Business Women’s Association (ANGIKAD) will launch the “Restart Project” to provide educational and support programs for women entrepreneurs in earthquake-affected regions, including Hatay, Malatya, Adıyaman, Kahramanmaraş, and Osmaniye.
The introduction event of the “Entrepreneurship Transformation Path: Restart Project for Women Entrepreneurs,” initiated by the association in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and various civil society organizations, was held at a hotel in Ankara.
In her opening speech at the event, ANGIKAD President Gözde Diker highlighted the association’s mission since 2007, focusing on strengthening and developing women’s economic, legal, and social rights while creating equal opportunities in the business world.
Diker emphasized that the priority of the project is to promote women’s entrepreneurship, employment, and education. She stated, “With this project, we aim to help women entrepreneurs in earthquake-affected areas make a fresh start and regain strength. This year, we will implement a support program for women entrepreneurs in Hatay, Malatya, Adıyaman, Kahramanmaraş, and Osmaniye. Our main goal is to encourage women to establish sustainable businesses, strengthen women’s entrepreneurship in these regions, and increase female employment. In line with this, we will provide training and mentoring services for women in the process of starting a business, along with support to develop their business networks.”
Diker expressed her belief that every new job opportunity created by the project would contribute to a faster recovery, underscoring the importance of supporting women in social, economic, cultural, and political domains.
Enhancing Women’s Resilience in the Region
Seyit Ardıç, President of the Ankara Chamber of Industry (ASO), acknowledged the project’s value in helping women in earthquake-affected regions start anew and with greater strength. Highlighting the challenges faced by the region due to the earthquake, Ardıç stressed the importance of swiftly reviving industrial facilities for life to return to normal. He stated, “Investors in Hatay, Osmaniye, Malatya, Adıyaman, and Kahramanmaraş made valuable contributions to regional and national development before the earthquake. To sustain these contributions, we need projects like the ‘Restart Project.’ We are pleased to support it as the Chamber. The project will significantly enhance women’s resilience and strength in the region. Women will cling to life with new business ideas, gaining economic independence to confidently step into the future.”
Government and NGO Support for Women’s Initiatives
Ankara Governor Vasip Şahin reported on the significant efforts undertaken to alleviate the pain caused by the earthquake on February 6 and to resume life in the region. Leman Yenigün, Deputy Minister of Family and Social Services, highlighted the government’s dedication to implementing original projects initiated by women. She stated, “We are aware that women play a significant role in the sustainable development and growth processes of countries. For a strong Turkey, we need the multifaceted perspectives of our women.”
Yenigün shared the government’s goal of achieving a 40% participation rate of women in the workforce by the end of 2028, mentioning positive developments in women’s employment and workforce participation due to applied incentives. She also emphasized ongoing support through various projects, reaching nearly one million women with financial literacy and economic empowerment seminars since 2018.
Haluk Levent, President of the AHBAP Association, participated in the meeting online and expressed readiness to support the projects ANGIKAD will undertake. He emphasized the importance of integrating women into the workforce in earthquake-affected areas.
30 Women Entrepreneurs to be Reached in the Year
As part of the project, women entrepreneurs in Hatay, Osmaniye, Malatya, Adıyaman, and Kahramanmaraş who wish to implement new business ideas will be supported. Additionally, businesses of male entrepreneurs with a minimum female employment rate of 50% will also be considered for support. Throughout the year, 30 women entrepreneurs will receive training in areas such as business modeling, finance, and marketing to establish sustainable businesses. The project will also provide mentorship, collaboration, and promotional support.
source: aa.com.tr/ prepared by Melisa Beğiç