“Equal Opportunity in Technology” project was launch in partnership with Yapı Kredi, CIFAL Istanbul, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and Bahçeşehir University (BAU) on November 21, 2023.
As part of the project, comprehensive training content has been prepared by experts in the field, covering topics from big data to artificial intelligence, cloud technologies to cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things to Industry 5.0. The project aims to reach 80,000 women in three years and increase their knowledge and awareness in the field of technology through the training provided by Yapı Kredi Academy and Bahçeşehir University. Participants who score 70 percent or higher in the final exam after completing the training will be eligible to receive the “Equal Opportunity in Technology” certificate, signed by Yapı Kredi, UNITAR, and BAU, and approved by e-Government. Participants with 75 percent attendance in the training will also be able to receive a UNITAR-accredited achievement certificate. The training, which will be offered free of charge to all women between the ages of 18-27 across Türkiye, will also be available to young people living in the Hope Cities established by Koç Holding, and in the earthquake-affected zones, regardless of gender.
Aiming for equal opportunities in technology
Özden Önaldı, Executive Vice President of Yapı Kredi, stated that Yapı Kredi is an institution that not only advocates gender equality, but also implements it, and made the following assessment: “We believe that the presence of women in every field of business is an indicator of civilization for countries. With this perspective, as a long-time industry leader in gender equality and women’s employment, we have carried out many pioneering projects to date. As an uncompromising advocate of gender equality, we are working hard to ensure equal opportunities for women in the field of technology and innovation. In line with the global leadership initiated by our main shareholder, Koç Holding, at the United Nations Women Generation Equality Forum, we, as Yapı Kredi, have committed to ensuring equal opportunities for women and girls in technology and innovation for the next three years. In this regard, we aim to reach 80,000 women in three years with the training we will provide through the ‘Equal Opportunity in Technology’ project, which we launched in partnership with the International Training Center for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL Istanbul) affiliated with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and Bahçeşehir University (BAU). We know that gender equality is the key to a more just and sustainable world. We will continue to take responsibility for a world where women are the architects of global prosperity and happiness, with our uncompromising commitment to gender equality.“
Prof. Dr. Ebru Canan-Sokullu, Director of CIFAL Istanbul, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) International Training Center for Authorities and Leaders, expressed the key points of the “Equal Opportunity in Technology” project: “Social responsibility projects shape not only individuals and communities but also our future. In the context of gender equality, we aim to contribute to the transformation of not only individuals but also the business world by reaching thousands of young women through the ‘Equal Opportunity in Technology’ project. With the realization of this project, we are taking an important step toward building a more just and sustainable future together. As we implement this project, we must be aware that we have a responsibility not only today but also as the leaders of tomorrow. We look forward to celebrating this great achievement and taking the first steps of our project together.”
Prof. Dr. Tunç Bozburda, Vice Rector of Bahçeşehir University, the other partner of the project,shared the goals of the “Equal Opportunity in Technology” project: “‘Equal Opportunity in Technology’, a valuable collaboration we carry out with Yapı Kredi, is an initiative to empower women through technology and science education. With this project, we aim to increase women’s employment and gender equality in the industry, strengthen the potential talents of young women, and develop female industry leaders.“
Applications for the project, which is led by Yapı Kredi in partnership with the International Training Center for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL Istanbul) affiliated with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and Bahçeşehir University (BAU), can be submitted through here.