Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Center for Women Studies (CWS) hosted the “Women’s Cooperatives Empowerment and Coordination Center Project - KooPro” organized in collaboration with Women and Democracy Foundation (KADEM). Held on Wednesday, 8 April 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall, the program received great participation.
Mehmetçik-Büyükkonuk Mayor Dr. Fatma Çimen Tuğlu, EMU Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, EMU-CWS Administrative Board Chair Assoc. Prof. Dr. Süheyla Üçışık Erbilen, KADEM Administrative Board Chair Att. Dr. Canan Sarı and board members, chairs and members of women’s cooperatives established in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), many working women attended the event which commenced with a screening of KooPro and EMU promotional films and continued with opening addresses.
“Women’s Entrepreneurship Is a Key Driver for Innovation and Social Equality”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Süheyla Üçışık Erbilen, Chair of EMU-CWS, emphasized in her speech that women’s active participation in economic life is of great importance for social development and sustainable growth. Stating that women’s entrepreneurship serves as a significant tool for fostering innovation and strengthening social equality, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erbilen drew attention to the challenges faced in accessing finance and technology. She further noted that the program aims to address women’s entrepreneurship from a multidimensional perspective, focusing on market, finance, and technology. Expressing their pride in KADEM’s decision to choose EMU-CWS to host its first event in the TRNC, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erbilen concluded by thanking all those who contributed to the program.
“Women’s Cooperatives Play a Key Role in Economic Empowerment and Solidarity”
In her speech, KADEM Chairperson Attorney Dr. Canan Sarı stated that KADEM carries out initiatives to ensure that women achieve equal opportunities and actively participate in all areas of life. Drawing attention to education, projects, and cooperative-based activities aimed at empowering women, Dr. Sarı emphasized that women’s cooperatives play a key role in promoting economic empowerment and solidarity. She further noted that, through the KooPro model, efforts are made to support the institutionalization and sustainability of women’s cooperatives. Dr. Sarı also stated that the program will address women’s entrepreneurship from the perspectives of market, finance, and technology.
“Gender Equality Must Be Reinforced Across All Areas”
EMU Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu expressed her satisfaction in hosting the program organized in collaboration with KADEM and CWS. Emphasizing the importance of strengthening women’s presence in social and economic life, Prof. Dr. Zorlu noted that such events make valuable contributions in raising awareness and encouraging concrete action. She stated that gender equality must be reinforced across all areas and highlighted that the future will be built upon a shared understanding of unity and equality. Prof. Dr. Zorlu concluded by expressing her hope that the program would yield productive outcomes and extended her thanks to all stakeholders involved.
Following the opening speeches, a panel “From Women Entrepreneurship to Sustainable Growth: Market, Finance and Technology” event moderated by Prof. Dr. Eda Becer was held. The panel featured various presentations; “From Local to Brand and Access to Sustainable Markets” by Mustafa Yıldırım, Trade Specialist at the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye; “Scaling through Technology” by Yasin Kaplan, Founder of Mobid Digital & Digital Marketing School and “Financial Structure and Resilience” by Ebru Kaptan Sertoğlu, Director of the Cyprus Turkish Investment Development Agency (YAGA).
The event continued with Yasemin Sayılgan, President of the HemDem Women’s Cooperative, sharing her experiences regarding the cooperative under the title “Best Practice Example.” As part of the program, participants also had the opportunity to visit the cooperative stands. The program concluded with the presentation of certificates to the participants and a group photo session.
