An Introduction
The positive and transformative contributions women make to families, villages, cities,
states and nations have been a part of the development and human rights dialogue
for some time. As a young girl, before I was even aware of this dialogue, my
mother instilled in me the belief that there were no limits to what I could
do. However, certain experiences later in my life revealed – and as many women around the world, non-governmental organizations, and institutions working in this area can attest – girls and women face many challenges that hinder their advancement. I am honored to add to the dialogue and to be one of the voices for women’s empowerment. The world needs more voices,
from women and men, because these are not just women’s issues – these are
issues of humanity.
Women’s empowerment touches upon many areas: enhancing leadership and political participation, eliminating gender-based violence, ensuring reproductive health and rights, and increasing access to education – to name a few. I admit that when I started my thesis, even to the point of writing the final draft, I attempted to delve into almost all of these issues. In the end, my article, which is published in Women's Studies International Forum, focuses on women’s economic empowerment. In large part because of circumstances: most European Union (EU) funding in Turkey is for these types of projects. But the results could hardly be incidental – given my background in business and the sense of empowerment it has given me personally.
Finally, though my research was in Turkey, at the end of the article I make recommendations with a hope that they can be a part of the contribution to long-term transformations of gender relations and adapted to women’s situations around the world. Thank you for reading and leaving comments!
Women’s empowerment touches upon many areas: enhancing leadership and political participation, eliminating gender-based violence, ensuring reproductive health and rights, and increasing access to education – to name a few. I admit that when I started my thesis, even to the point of writing the final draft, I attempted to delve into almost all of these issues. In the end, my article, which is published in Women's Studies International Forum, focuses on women’s economic empowerment. In large part because of circumstances: most European Union (EU) funding in Turkey is for these types of projects. But the results could hardly be incidental – given my background in business and the sense of empowerment it has given me personally.
Finally, though my research was in Turkey, at the end of the article I make recommendations with a hope that they can be a part of the contribution to long-term transformations of gender relations and adapted to women’s situations around the world. Thank you for reading and leaving comments!
