Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) took an active role in an important event supporting women in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and maths). The event held with the title of “Geek Girl Dinner” took place at Zantani Restaurant located in Famagusta Wallled City, with participation of nearly 40 female students studying in STEM fields.
The event was organized by TECHGIRLS committee operating voluntarily under the body of EMU Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences, within the scope of the “Project for Enhancing Women’s Economic Participation and Partnership along the Green Line”, financed by the European Union (EU) and carried out by the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce Women Entrepreneurs Council (KTTO-KGK).
EMU Rector Meets with STEM Students
Attending the event, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç met with students, listening to their educational journeys and career plans. Emphasizing the under-representation of women in STEM, especially in Information and Technology fields, Prof. Dr. Kılıç stressed the importance of such events in raising awareness and motivation. Reaffirming the university’s support, Prof. Dr. Kılıç encouraged the students to also take part in similar events.
EU-Supported Project Contributes to the Economic Empowerment of Women
Carried out by KTTO-KGK, the said project aims to increase the economic participation of women as well as their entrepreneurship rates, while enhancing gender equality. Furthermore, the Women’s Economic Partnership Platform (KEOP), formed by the collaboration of eight civil society organizations, together with the Women’s Leadership Academy offering leadership and mentorship programs, seeks to empower over 700 women by 2026.
Students Meet Role Model Entrepreneurs
The event also saw participation from the members of KKTO-KGK, including the Chairperson Eda Kervanlı, Executive Board Members Şükran Alp, Çiğdem Nailer and Seza Akay, and “Limitless Women” EU Project Coordinator Merve Ereksel. Moreover, the event also featured Olcay Hoca, the first registered natural cosmetics producer in the TRNC, as a guest and role model. Attending from EMU were Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe and TECHGIRLS committee members Assoc. Dr. Nazife Dimililer, Dr. Yeşim Kapsıl Çırak, Halide Sarıçizmeli, and Dr. Özlem Görkan Evre.
Meeting with the students during the evnet, Olcay Hoca shared her first career experiences and insights on her entrepreneurship process with them. Hoca also touched on the challenges and the ways how she tackled them throughout her journey. On the other hand, Eda Kervanlı and Merve Ereksel offered students guidance on crucial aspects of their career paths, highlighting the importance of gaining accounting and financial knowledge to engage successfully in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The event also helped build a strong network connecting students with women entrepreneurs.
EMU Puts an Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals
Explaining the value the university attaches on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, Prof. Dr. Karatepe noted that the event contributed many suitable development goals, particularly the Gender Equality and Partnership for the Goals. Expressing his pleasure to be gathering with female students studying in technology and STEM fields, Prof. Dr. Karatepe conveyed his belief that the future would be more inclusive and equitable. Stating that EMU will increasingly continue these kind of events that both foster student development and benefit society, and that the satisfaction gained from collaborating with civil society will be reflected in new projects as well.
“Building a Stronger, More Empowered, and Equal Future Together”
A statement by TECHGIRLS Committee stated: “As TECHGIRLS, our mission is to boost the participation of young women at EMU in STEM fields, support their growth, and connect them with inspiring role models. We strive to ensure that the next generation is stronger and more empowered than us. We stand by our students at every step. The ‘Geek Girl Dinner’ marked an important milestone in this journey. We sincerely thank KTTO-KGK for organizing the event, including us in the process, and for being such valued partners. We also extend our gratitude to all institutions that contributed to the project, our speakers, and especially the participating students. We believe that strong collaborations with civil society are vital for social progress, and together, we can create a stronger, better-equipped, and more equal future”.