Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), School of Computing and Technology (SCT) and the Union of Chambers of Cyprus Turkish Engineers and Architects (KTMMOB), Chamber of Electrical Engineers (EMO) co-organized a talk titled “Women Pushing the Limits in Technology: 3 Generations of Women Electrical Engineers” with the aim of supporting gender equality. Held on Thursday, 10 October 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall, the event that focused on raising awareness about how women, who are underrepresented in fields such as information technology, technology, and engineering, can find a place in the industry and achieve success, was attended by the Vice Chair of Higher Education Planning, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YODAK) Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, Director of SCT Assist. Prof. Dr. Ece Çelik, former President of EMU Board of Trustees Rifat Yalınç, EMO Executive Board member Buğra Gazioğlu, KTMMOB Executive Board member and EMU Faculty of Architecture academic staff member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nevter Zafer Cömert, Faculty Deans, academic staff members and students.
Addressing the attendees of the event on behalf of the organizing committee, SCT senior instructor Yeşim Kapsıl Çırak shared that their awareness initiatives are aimed at motivating young women to enter male-dominated fields like engineering. Noting that they have been working on projects in collaboration with non-governmental organizations to help young girls and women advance in technology, Çırak pointed out that, as part of the recent “Girls in Information and Technology Project” (GIT), hundreds of high school girls were supported through educational programs. Çırak stressed the importance of fostering education to promote gender equality and expressed her hope for a successful event.
In his address, EMO Executive Board member Gazioğlu expressed that, being the son of an engineer mother, this event has special meaning for him. Explaining that its purpose is to showcase women’s contributions to both society and the profession, rather than focusing solely on their biological or familial roles, Gazioğlu mentioned the challenges women encounter in male-dominated fields like engineering, underscoring the importance of their achievements in driving societal change.
Also delivering a speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cömert thanked everyone for attending the event and underlined the significance of women’s participation in male-dominated fields such as engineering. Pointing out that women in the region face greater societal challenges compared to their counterparts in Western countries and, stressing the significance of events like this, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cömert thanked those involved in organizing the event and expressed hope for its success.
“Success and Equality are present where Women are”
In his remarks, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Kılıç conveyed his enthusiasm for the discussion that would highlight women’s journeys and success stories in fields like engineering, which are traditionally dominated by men. Stating that the event gathered three generations of female engineers to share their experiences and accomplishments in overcoming professional biases, Prof. Dr. Kılıç expressed his belief that the challenges and stories shared will provide valuable guidance for future generations. Prof. Dr. Kılıç affirmed that EMU will continue to promote gender equality through initiatives that align with sustainable development goals, emphasizing that such events are crucial for understanding women’s roles in society and the obstacles they encounter in their careers. Prof. Dr. Kılıç further stated that enhancing women’s involvement in science, technology, and engineering is essential for overall societal progress and the development of a sustainable future. He also addressed recent tragic events, recognizing the numerous challenges and barriers that remain, and highlighted the significance of these events in promoting social responsibility at EMU. Prof. Dr. Kılıç concluded his address by saying; “Success and equality are present where women are. I hope that this event inspires young girls and women and forms a basis for future achievements. With the strength from the past, we will strive to continue our efforts for an equal and bright future”.
Another speech was delivered by the Vice Chair of YODAK Prof. Dr. Amca who congratulated SCT, EMO and EMU for organizing the event and touched on the role and importance of women in the industry sector. Prof. Dr. Amca expressed that the contributions of universities to technology development, combined with greater involvement of women in the field, will enable us to reach the 5th Industrial Revolution.
Following the opening speeches, the first women electrical engineer registered to the EMO, Özcan Bundak, Former Chair of EMO and EMU graduate Ayşe Tokel, EMU graduate Dilara Altınok who has participated in various infrastructure projects in the field of engineering and, representing the new generation, Çise Koççat who has carried out numerous projects in the sector attended the event as guest speakers, sharing their professional knowledge, experiences and challenges they had encountered during their careers. Putting extra emphasis on being graduates of EMU, Tokel and Altınok stated that the education and training they received at EMU has strongly contributed to their professional lives. The guest speakers discussed their experiences with biases encountered as women engineers and how they managed to overcome these challenges. They also provided guidance to the younger generation about the significance of prioritizing equality for success in technology and engineering, along with the importance of ongoing personal and professional growth.
At the end of the event, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Zorlu and Prof. Dr. Öztüren, SCT Director Assist. Prof. Dr. Çelik and, KTMMOB Executive Board member and EMU Faculty of Architecture academic staff member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cömert presented the guest speakers appreciation plaques for their contributions to the event.
