Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, stated that "We continue our efforts to strengthen women's entrepreneurship, which makes our country a rising value in every field. We plan to prevent women from having to choose between their roles in home and business life with the practices we will spread all over Türkiye".

A cooperation protocol was signed between the Ministry of Family and Social Services and the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and the Scientific Research-Development, Innovation and Scientific Activity Cooperation Protocol was signed with TÜBİTAK to strengthen women's entrepreneurship and facilitate women's engagement in income-generating activities.

In the program, for inspiring women, a "Strong Tomorrow with Female Entrepreneurs" interview was held with female entrepreneurs who have achieved significant success in Türkiye, under the moderation of Minister Göktaş.

In her speech at the program, Minister Göktaş stated that women's empowerment is the key to a strong family and to a prosperous society.

Stating that an important step has been taken for women entrepreneurship today, Minister Göktaş  uttered, "Many entrepreneurship stories tell that women who set out with their own goals achieved success beyond their dreams. “According to the latest research in Türkiye, women entrepreneurs mainly prefer new technology areas such as information and communication techologies, scientific and technical activities, administrative and support services," she added.

Pointing out that technology has become a constantly changing force that transforms every sector, Göktaş emphasized that it is economically and socially important for women entrepreneurs to direct their focus to these fields.

Stating that women, who have increased their presence in the fields of science, technology and engineering, have strengthened Türkiye's position in global competition by bringing digital technologies and innovation to the forefront, Göktaş said that artificial intelligence has opened the door to groundbreaking innovations in health, education, agriculture and many other sectors.

"Women entrepreneurs further strengthen Türkiye's place on the world stage"

Minister Göktaş pointed out that women's work in advanced technology fields, especially in artificial intelligence, enriches the country's technological infrastructure and talent pool, and added:

"This interest of female entrepreneurs in STEM fields also creates a role model for future generations. This active role of women in Türkiye's innovation journey lays the foundations of a globally competitive technology ecosystem in our country. We can use our entrepreneurial potential by establishing national networks and participating in international networks. It is very important to move forward".

Women entrepreneurs further strengthen Türkiye's position on the world stage by following new technologies and creating international networks. As can be seen, female entrepreneurship brings great dynamism to business life. In one of the studies conducted in this field, it was observed that the concept of entrepreneurship is most associated with courage, being strong and facing all difficulties among female entrepreneurs. This is an significant point to be considered. We realize that the self-confidence of women and the successes they achieved also enable them to become economically stronger. There are also countless examples of how participating in business life improves women in many areas in a short time."

"We continue our efforts to strengthen women's entrepreneurship"

To give an example from the story of Ayşe Ertaş, a young entrepreneur, Göktaş stated that Ertaş, a graduate of Manisa Celal Bayar University Computer Engineering, developed new generation simulators for the defense industry with her colleague.

Stating that the simulators in question imitate vehicle movements and work integrated with virtual reality technology, Göktaş stated, "The simulators they developed are used in the defense industry and the international market. "In fact, it shows us how the combination of Ms. Ayşe's common sense and technological developments creates miracles." she added.

Emphasizing that every woman who experiences the feeling of "I can do it" turns into a great symbol of success for her own life, her family and the society, Göktaş said:

"When we look at these added values created by women from a broader perspective, we realize that they positively affect the development process of our country. With a realistic approach, we consider women's economic participation as an integral part of our national policies. According to TÜİK data, in the third quarter of 2023, women among employers and self-employed workers will increase. The rate is currentlyat 16 percent. In EU countries, this rate is around 33 percent. We continue our efforts to increase this rate through our collaborations and to strengthen women's entrepreneurship, which makes our country a rising value in every field. With the practices, we will spread all overTürkiye, we plan to prevent women from having to choose between roles in home and business life.

"We supported the establishment of 1012 new women's cooperatives"

Stating that there is nothing that women cannot achieve when equal opportunities are provided, Göktaş reminded that as the Ministry, they offer entrepreneurship opportunities to women from all segments of society in 81 provinces.

Stating that the Cooperation Protocol on Strengthening Women's Cooperatives, signed between the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of Commerce under the coordination of the Ministry of Family and Social Services, was extended for another 5 years last year, Göktaş stated that, "With this protocol, we supported the establishment of 1012 new women's cooperatives. We also attach great importance to the visibility of women in business life. "As women become more visible, women's efforts will receive the respect they deserve. I sincerely believe that many women who have not yet discovered their talents will become the protagonists of unforgettable stories", she added.

“The 'National Technology Move' will rise on the shoulders of those who overcome obstacles”

Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır emphasized that they strengthened the position of women in social life with "The Cooperation Protocol on Strengthening Women's Cooperatives" and explained that they made it easier for women entrepreneurs to benefit from investment incentives and KOSGEB supports.

Kacır stated that they provide guidance and consultancy services and project support through development agencies and regional development administrations, and added:

"With the protocol, we will continue to cooperate with the Ministry of Family and Social Services in developing joint projects in the field. With the Scientific Research-Development, Innovation and Scientific Activity Cooperation Protocol, we aim to support the psychological, social, emotional and cognitive development of children under protection and care, disabled and elderly individuals, and woman and child victims of violence. Our female contestant, who developed an application that provides narration services to visually impaired users with artificial intelligence and human cooperation, won the first place in the 'Barrier-Free Life Technologies' competition at TEKNOFEST, which we organized in Izmir. Currently, the mobile application she designed is used in nearly 40 countries. We believe that the 'National Technology Move' will rise on the shoulders of those who overcome obstacles. We will continue to support each of our 85 million citizens in their journey of developing, producing and adding value to technology."

The information and support that women entrepreneurs will need is combined on a single platform.

After the speech, the "Cooperation Protocol on Strengthening Women's Cooperatives" was signed by Ministers Göktaş and Kacır. Stating that they aim to empower women entrepreneurs and increase the number of women entrepreneurs with the said protocol, "We are planning innovative studies that will make it easier for women to engage in income-generating activities." Göktaş highlighted.

Later, the Scientific Research-Development, Innovation and Scientific Activity Cooperation Protocol was signed between the Ministry of Family and Social Services and TÜBİTAK in order to expand women's working areas and develop their businesses by using new technologies.

The program also introduced the website “https://www.kadingirisimci.gov.tr”, which brings together education, research, financial support and mentoring activities that support women's entrepreneurship on a single platform and gathers the information necessary to become an entrepreneur.

In her last statement, Minister Göktaş emphasized that thanks to the protocols and website, they will be able to offer more women the opportunity to start a business and develop their existing business.