Recent data highlights a concerning trend regarding women’s employment post-childbirth. Globally, the likelihood of women finding work within ten years after childbirth decreases by 15%. In Turkey, this figure rises to 30%, whereas in Istanbul, the reduction reaches 60%. This underscores the pressing need for societal change, as women’s participation in the workforce is not merely an economic issue, but a catalyst for broader social transformation.
At the “Yeniden Biz Yeniden Gelecek” Summit organized by the Yenidenbiz Association, significant strides towards promoting gender equality in the workplace were made. Zurich Insurance Group Turkey CEO Yılmaz Yıldız, who co-chairs the Yenidenbiz Association’s Board of Directors, alongside co-chair Selen Kocabaş, opened the summit by addressing the importance of female representation in management and the principle of equal pay for equal work—a commitment that has resulted in over 50% female representation across all management levels.
The summit featured a panel discussion titled “Running Against the Wind: Women and the Winds of Change,” where inspiring stories of resilience and courage were shared by notable speakers Fatoş Karaahasan and Özlem Yedinci. The panel focused on both the challenges women face in the workplace and potential solutions to overcome these barriers.
As Maya Angelou famously stated, “When a woman stands up to speak, she stands up for all women.” This sentiment resonates strongly at this summit, which champions the notion that the rise of women in the workforce benefits society as a whole.
