Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) TechGirls Committee organized a seminar titled “Limitless Future: Women, Technology, Creativity and Change”. Working in line with its mission of contributing to society and the future, the TechGirls Committee held a seminar focused on empowering women in technology and informatics. The event drew significant attention, with 110 students in attendance. The seminar featured Faize Akçaba—an internationally recognized figure in the telecommunications and IT sectors and a multiple recipient of the “Woman Entrepreneur of the Year” award—as the keynote speaker.
EMU Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, Dean of EMU Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences Prof. Dr. Ahmet Rizaner, Vice Deans Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emre Özen and Assist. Prof. Dr. Hüsnü Bayramoğlu, Information Systems and Technologies Program Coordinator Dr. Şebnem Çoban, TRNC Telsim Corporate Communication Director Nil Zorlu Atai and faculty members attended the event.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the TechGirls Committee, Dr. Yeşim Kapsıl Çırak explained the mission of the committee as; “Ensuring that every new generation of women in technology and STEM becomes stronger than the one before”. Highlighting the continued underrepresentation of women in technology, Dr. Çırak noted, “The issue is not a shortage of talent, but a shortage of opportunities — and we have the ability to bridge this gap.”
In her speech, EMU Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu shared insights from her own career journey as a women academic fulfilling administrative roles. Advising students to believe in themselves, pursue their goals with determination, and not be discouraged by obstacles, adding, “The participation of both female and male students today reflects a future that will be more inclusive.” After her remarks, she presented Faize Akçaba with a plaque of appreciation.
The seminar offered students a platform to be inspired and to connect directly with accomplished women in the industry. Following the event, students had one-on-one meetings with Faize Akçaba, where they received career guidance and gained opportunities to grow their professional networks.
Studies carried out with the TechGirls Vision
The TechGirls Committee, founded by EMU Information Systems and Technologies Program academic staff member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nazife Dimililer, Instructor Dr. Yeşim Kapsıl Çırak, EMU Academic Affairs Coordinator and Instructor Dr. Özlem Görkan Evre, and EMU Computer Programming Program academic staff member Halide Sarıçizmeli, seeks to promote women’s active participation in technology and entrepreneurship while strengthening their representation in leadership roles.
Since its establishment in 2020, the TechGirls Committee has carried out numerous initiatives in line with EMU’s vision of equality and inclusivity. Between 2022 and 2024, in collaboration with the Famagusta Women’s Center (MAKAMER), the committee reached hundreds of high school students through events held under the BİTEK project at three different high schools. Additionally, in partnership with the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO) Women Entrepreneurs Council (KGS) and the Turkish Cypriot Union of Engineers and Architects (KTMMOB) Chamber of Electrical Engineers (EMO), two university seminars were organized. TechGirls also played an active role in the Geek Girl Dinner events, conducted as part of the EU-supported “Enhancing Women’s Economic Participation across the Green Line” project.
The TechGirls Committee’s executive team emphasized that they will keep advancing and strengthening efforts to raise awareness and empower women in the fields of technology and IT.