A collaboration protocol was signed between Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) and Ada Kadını Development Cooperative (ADA-KOOP) with the aim of promoting gender equality, empowering women in economic and social life, developing educational and entrepreneurial activities, preserving cultural values, and implementing joint projects. The signing ceremony was held at the EMU Rector’s Office Building at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, 14 August 2026, during which the protocol was signed by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and ADA-KOOP President Bilge Kanlı. TRNC Member of Parliament Resmiye Eroğlu Canaltay and EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe also signed the protocol as witnesses. The protocol signing ceremony was attended by EMU Center for Women’s Studies (EMU-CWS) President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Süheyla Üçışık Erbilen, EMU Rector’s Office Director Kazım Hakverdi, and the ADA-KOOP delegation.
Through the signed protocol, EMU and ADA-KOOP aim to combine their knowledge, experience, and expertise to carry out joint initiatives that will contribute to the Turkish Cypriot community. Within the scope of the protocol, it is envisaged that training programs, projects, and awareness-raising activities will be implemented, particularly to enable women to take a more active role in social and economic life. In line with the protocol, the parties will carry out activities aimed at raising awareness of gender equality at the individual, family, and community levels. The protocol also aims to draw attention to occupational discrimination faced by women as a result of gender roles and to undertake joint activities aimed at increasing women’s representation across different fields of employment.
“Various Initiatives to be implemented”
Speaking at the protocol signing ceremony, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç stated that the fundamental duties of universities are not limited to providing education and conducting research, emphasizing that universities also have a responsibility to serve society. Describing the protocol signed with ADA-KOOP as an important and meaningful example of this responsibility, Prof. Dr. Kılıç noted that they are very pleased to cooperate with a non-governmental organization that carries out initiatives aimed at empowering women. Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that various initiatives, ranging from educational projects to institutional support, will be implemented within the scope of the cooperation and expressed his hope that the protocol will mark the beginning of strong and sustainable steps that will contribute to the advancement of women.
“It Will Be an Important Achievement”
ADA-KOOP President Bilge Kanlı stated that they are very pleased to establish such a meaningful cooperation with EMU, noting that it is particularly important for them to encourage women in Gazimağusa to step beyond the home environment and participate more actively in social and economic life. Emphasizing that receiving training from distinguished academics, developing new collaborations, and becoming more empowered in production processes will represent an important achievement for women, Kanlı thanked the EMU Rector’s Office and academics for their support throughout the process.
“Indispensable for Social Development”
TRNC Member of Parliament Resmiye Eroğlu Canaltay stated that respect for women’s labor and enabling women to become active participants in productive life are indispensable for social development. Noting that the support provided by EMU to women is extremely valuable, Canaltay expressed her belief that the cooperation will make significant contributions to the development of women living in Gazimağusa and the surrounding areas.