International Women's Day (8 March) Panel Discussion was Held at KAEU

A panel on March 8 International Women’s Day was organized by KAEU Fatma Bacı Women’s Studies Application and Research Center (FABKAM) with the support of the Kırşehir Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services, Kırşehir Provincial Security Directorate, Kırşehir Provincial Gendarmerie Command, and the Women and Democracy Association (KADEM). Hosted by KAEU, the panel took place at Neşet Ertaş Hall of Ahi Evran Congress and Culture Center. Attendees included Kırşehir Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek, Kırşehir Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Senior Colonel Ahmet Yıldırım, Kırşehir Provincial Police Chief Erdoğan Kartal, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Musa Özata, Kırşehir Provincial Director of Family and Social Services Murat Konan, FABKAM Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hatice Özkara Güler, KADEM Kırşehir Provincial Representative Dr. Müge Şebnem Şahin, Social Worker Didem Dirlik Sevinç, FABKAM Board Member Dr. Alev Öztürk Merdin, Police Officer Fatma Özçelik from the Provincial Police Department, Senior Sergeant Semra Yıldız from the Provincial Gendarmerie Command, as well as public institution administrators, NGO representatives, members of the press, academic and administrative staff, and students.

Murat Konan: “Women are the Backbone of a Peaceful and Healthy Society”

The opening speech of the highly attended panel was delivered by Murat Konan, the Provincial Director of Family and Social Services in Kırşehir. Emphasizing that women, who represent love, compassion, and self-sacrifice in all aspects of life, are the backbone of a peaceful and healthy society, Konan stated that women play a crucial role in the development and modernization of our country. Murat Konan highlighted the significant efforts undertaken by the state to prevent violence against women, encourage their participation in the workforce, and increase their involvement in politics, and he expressed great pride in seeing women hold positions in all areas of society. Konan also provided insights into the activities of the Kırşehir Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services. Additionally, he noted that, following the declaration of 2025 as the "Year of the Family" by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, they will carry out various initiatives throughout the year.

Prof. Dr. Musa Özata: “Our Civilization and Faith have Given Women the Highest Value and Held Them in the Highest Regard”

Following Murat Konan, KAEU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Musa Özata took the floor to discuss the role of women in society. Stating that women are of great importance and the source of life, Özata continued his speech: “Unfortunately, throughout history, women have faced significant discrimination. However, our civilization and faith have given women the highest value and held them in the highest regard.” Emphasizing that in Islam, men and women are not superior to one another, Prof. Dr. Musa Özata stated that women have always been valued, as expressed in the saying, ‘Paradise lies beneath the feet of mothers.’ Özata also noted that Islam grants women the rights to education, work, and property, and highlighted that women today actively participate in political, economic, and academic fields. Prof. Dr. Musa Özata, expressing his hope for women to be stronger and more equal in all aspects of life, concluded his speech by celebrating International Women’s Day, particularly honoring the mothers of martyrs.

Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek: “Everyone has a Great Responsibility to Ensure that Women Receive the Respect and Value They Deserve”

Following Prof. Dr. Musa Özata, Kırşehir Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek took the floor, celebrating all women who add value to the world with their love, labor, compassion, and self-sacrifice. He emphasized the importance of such programs in raising awareness of International Women’s Day and stated that various efforts are being carried out to ensure women’s participation in all areas of society. Governor of Kırşehir Murat Sefa Demiryürek highlighted the significant steps taken to strengthen women’s social, economic, and legal rights in Türkiye. He also noted that, following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s declaration of 2025 as the "Year of the Family," numerous initiatives have been launched to support women. Stressing that ensuring women receive the respect and value they deserve is a collective responsibility, Governor Demiryürek affirmed their unwavering support for women and their commitment to promoting women's presence in all sectors of society. Additionally, Governor Demiryürek provided information about KADES, one of the most important projects and applications in combating violence against women and concluded his speech by extending his best wishes for International Women’s Day, particularly honoring the mothers and wives of martyrs.

After the opening speeches, the panel on March 8 International Women’s Day began, moderated by FABKAM Board Member Asst. Prof. Dr. Şüheda Türkay. During the panel, KADEM Kırşehir Provincial Representative Dr. Müge Şebnem Şahin delivered a presentation titled “When Was KADEM Established? Its Activities”, Social Worker Didem Dirlik Sevinç presented on “Institutional Services for Women’s Empowerment”, FABKAM Board Member Dr. Alev Öztürk Merdin spoke on “Women Entrepreneurs Following the Path of Ahi-Order”, Police Officer Fatma Özçelik discussed “Purpose and Scope of Law No. 6284, KADES Application, and Related Efforts”, and Senior Sergeant Semra Yıldız gave a presentation on “Concerns Experienced While Downloading the KADES Application”.