Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) has provided a full tuition fee scholarship to Fevziye Nur Atalay, winner of the Reels Competition organized as part of the “Girls in Information and Technology (GIT) Project” (EMU). Atalay, together with EMU TechGirls Committee members Prof. Dr. Nazife Dimililer, Assist. Prof. Dr. Raziye Nevzat, Dr. Özlem Görkan Evre, Dr. Yeşim Kapsıl Çırak and Senior Instructor Halide Sarıçizmeli, who are among the coordinators of the GIT Project, paid a visit to EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe to express their gratitude for the scholarship support.
GIT Project
The GIT Project was carried out between 2021 and 2024 in collaboration with the EMU TechGirls Committee of the Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences and the Famagusta Women’s Centre Association (MAKAMER). As part of the project, a Reels competition themed “In Search of Technology Stars” was organized in 2024 for female high school students, with sponsorship from KKTC Telsim Vodafone.
Atalay, who chose to enroll in the English-medium Information Systems and Technologies Department within the Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences with the scholarship she won through the competition, successfully completed her English preparatory education. She will begin her undergraduate studies in the department this semester.
“We Will Continue to Support Female Students in Pursuing Education in Computing and Technology”
Prof. Dr. Karatepe stated that initiatives promoting equal opportunities in education constitute an important part of EMU’s social responsibility. Emphasizing the importance of encouraging female students to pursue education in computing and technology for the future of society, Prof. Dr. Karatepe noted that the University places great value on projects carried out through cooperation among universities, civil society organizations and the private sector.
Congratulating Atalay and wishing her success in her academic life, Prof. Dr. Karatepe thanked the EMU TechGirls Committee, MAKAMER, main sponsor KKTC Telsim Vodafone, and Famagusta Municipality for their contributions to the project. Prof. Dr. Karatepe also underlined that EMU will continue to support greater participation of female students in the fields of computing and technology.
Supporting Female Students in Technology Education
The EMU TechGirls Committee stated that its aim is to increase the number of female students pursuing education in computing and technology, support those currently studying in these fields, and contribute to their development as future leaders in the sector. Highlighting the importance of greater representation of women both in the technology industry and in decision-making processes, the Committee emphasized that this scholarship initiative, which promotes gender equality and encourages achievement in technology, is the first of its kind in the country. The Committee also expressed its hope that EMU’s approach to supporting female students in pursuing education and developing themselves in the fields of computing and technology will serve as an example for other institutions.
In its statement, the Committee said, “We hope that Fevziye’s story will become an inspiring success story for girls in the TRNC who aspire to pursue a future in computing and technology.” The Committee noted that, as EMU TechGirls, they organize activities aimed at empowering female students at the University and encouraging high school students to pursue education in computing and technology. It added that such initiatives would continue to be developed in line with students’ needs and expectations. Underscoring that a more equal and inclusive future will be shaped by the opportunities offered to today’s girls, the Committee also drew attention to the importance of expanding such initiatives across all areas of society.
“You Guided Me through One of the Most Critical Periods of My Life”
During the visit, Atalay stated that the competition and meetings with role models had broadened her perspective and strengthened her self-confidence. She explained that throughout her preparatory education, she continued to improve her knowledge in the field of technology and learn new applications. Emphasizing that the scholarship had made a significant difference in her life, Atalay expressed her gratitude by saying, “You guided me through one of the most critical periods of my life.”
