The countdown has begun for the “Iron Women: The Power of Women in Welding Art” project, which was developed to socially and economically empower women who settled in Istanbul after the Kahramanmaraş earthquake.

The academic and vocational training process of the project, which was designed by the Women’s Association in Business World with the support of the General Directorate of Relations with Civil Society of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Türkiye, will be carried out by Istanbul Kültür University and Istanbul Gedik University.

The first stage of the project, in which comprehensive trainings will be provided to reduce the social, economic, and psychological vulnerability of women affected by the earthquake, will take place at Istanbul Kültür University.

The training program of the project, in which women affected by the Kahramanmaraş earthquake will be included within the scope of “Iron Women,” will last for 3 weeks in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy campus of Istanbul Kültür University.

Prof. Dr. Burcu Yavuz Tiftikçigil: Women's Empowerment is Our Main Agenda

Prof. Dr. Burcu Yavuz Tiftikçigil, Vice Rector of Istanbul Kültür University and Director of the Sustainable Development Center, outlined the Iron Women project as an exemplary initiative for the development of our country and women. Noting that the extraordinary effects caused by natural disasters can be managed with the cooperation of universities and ministries, Prof. Dr. Burcu Yavuz Tiftikçigil summarised the support process for the project as follows: “Iron Women: Women's Power in Welding Art’ project was shaped by the Women’s Association in Business World, Istanbul Kültür University, and Istanbul Gedik University, whose architecture has been systematically and selflessly working for women's labour. It is an honour for us to take part in the academic side of such a project for the benefit of the country and society. The Iron Women project has a special value as it is the first project that our Sustainable Development Center, which was opened in the 2024-2025 Academic Year, meets with society. We structured the project by taking inspiration from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Decent Work and Growth, Gender Equality, Reduced Inequalities, and Partnerships for the Goals. Faculty members of our university will be with women with a 44-hour training series within the scope of the project. Subjects such as methods of coping with violence, physical and sexual health, psychological well-being, economy, and sustainable development that will strengthen women's vital reflexes along with their professional gains will be presented in our trainings. At the end of the trainings, participants will be entitled to receive a certificate of participation.”

Within the scope of the “Iron Women: The Power of Women in Welding Art” project, after a 44-hour training process to be offered at Istanbul Kültür University, participants will receive welding training from experts at Istanbul Gedik University. After the training, which will help to achieve gender equality in a male-dominated sector, successful participants will be given a welding master certificate in order to find employment opportunities in the sector.