22 April 2025, İstanbul, Türkiye – Yanındayız Association, CIFAL Istanbul, and Bahçeşehir University came together to formalize their commitment to gender equality and human rights through the signing of an inter-institutional cooperation protocol. The protocol was signed by Ms. Selen Okay Akçalı, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Yanındayız Association, and Prof. Dr. Tunç Bozbura, Vice Rector of Bahçeşehir University.
The protocol aims to reinforce the existing collaboration between the institutions and further deepen their partnership in future projects. Yanındayız Association, a rights-based advocacy organization, is dedicated to ensuring equal participation in society, promoting gender equality, and combating all forms of violence against women and discriminatory behavior. Bahçeşehir University, upholding a zero-tolerance policy against any act that undermines human dignity, shares this mission as a cornerstone of its institutional values.
This newly signed protocol builds upon a strong history of joint initiatives, including seminars, workshops, and awareness campaigns conducted in previous years. CIFAL Istanbul, has played a key role in organizing these activities and now aims to expand its efforts even further under this renewed and formalized partnership.
“This cooperation not only strengthens institutional ties but also accelerates our shared efforts in realizing SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17 Partnerships fort he Goals” CIFAL Istanbul stated.
CIFAL Istanbul expresses its sincere appreciation to Yanındayız Association and Bahçeşehir University for their ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive, respectful, and violence-free academic and social environments. Through this protocol, all parties reaffirm their dedication to building a society rooted in equality, solidarity, and mutual respect.
30 October 2024, İstanbul, Türkiye – CIFAL Istanbul successfully organized two separate seminars in cooperation with Yanındayız Association and Bahçeşehir University, Zero Tolerance for Violence on My Campus and Zero Tolerance for Violence on My Campus II, aimed at raising awareness about dating violence and gender-sensitive approaches among university students. The event was supported by the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Istanbul and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
The first session, hosted at Bahçeşehir University North Campus, featured Assoc. Prof. Feyza Ak Akyol, who explored gender identity, stereotypes, and non-violent communication. The second session, held at Bahçeşehir University Galata Campus, was led by Prof. Dr. İpek Merçil, who addressed the types of violence against women, legal perspectives, and definitions of dating violence.
Building on this effort, the second phase of the seminar, “Gender and Dating Violence Education II,” took place on 25 November 2024 at BAU Galata Campus, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Organized once again in partnership with Yanındayız Association, UNITAR, and Bahçeşehir University, this event expanded the dialogue on gender-based violence and further strengthened efforts to promote inclusive, respectful, and violence-free campuses.
Both seminars provided students with valuable insights and knowledge, encouraging them to challenge harmful norms and advocate for a more equitable society. CIFAL Istanbul expresses its gratitude to all partners, speakers, and participants who contributed to these impactful initiatives. Together, we continue working towards a future rooted in respect, equality, and safety for all.
These efforts reinforce CIFAL Istanbul’s commitment to empowering youth and fostering meaningful discussions on gender equality. Through ongoing collaborations, we aim to develop more educational programs that inspire positive change and promote awareness across academic communities.
The Equal Opportunity in Technology program is an initiative to empower young women throughout Turkiye, through the education of technology, in partnership between Yapı Kredi, CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR and Bahçeşehir University. The course will be accessible to participants free of charge through 14 lessons curriculum on the BAUGO Online Platform.
Join our “Equal Opportunity in Technology” program, which we have implemented to increase the participation of women in the world of technology and innovation and to advance them with equal opportunities.
The launch for Equal Opportunity in Technology Project was held with the participation of CIFAL Istanbul Director Prof. Ebru Canan-Sokullu, Yapı Kredi Human Resources Deputy General Manager Ms. Özden Önaldı, Bahçeşehir University Vice Rector Prof. Tunç Bozbura and Head of United Nations Resident Coordinator Office in Türkiye Mr. Tom Delrue and a video message from the Division Director of UNITAR and Head of CIFAL Global Network Mr. Alex Mejia on November 21, 2023.
Find out more and fill out the application form here.