The third session of the Intellectual Interaction Meetings, titled “The Role of Women in Business Life,” was held on Tuesday, March 11th, at 13:00 in the School of Business Conference Hall. The event was moderated by Prof. Mahmut Arslan, with speakers Günseli Kato and Assist. Prof. Sümeyye Kuşakcı.
Prof. Mahmut Arslan, the moderator of the event, began with an empathetic discussion of the social challenges faced by women. Arslan highlighted that although women's inclusion in the workforce might seem recent, women have actually been part of the labor force throughout history, from hunter-gatherer societies to the present day.
Assist. Prof. Sümeyye Kuşakcı presented statistical data on the glass ceilings women face in the workplace. She stated that women receive lower salaries compared to men performing the same roles, and this is an international issue. Additionally, Kuşakcı highlighted the injustices women face both when entering the workforce and when seeking promotions, providing concrete examples. She emphasized that men and women should complement each other with their different skills in the workplace, and ultimately, the business world is full of challenges for both genders, or rather, for “humans.”
Günseli Kato offered a different perspective on gender inequality in the workplace, drawing from her experience as an artist. Kato stated, “If a woman wants to be governed, she will be; if she doesn't, she won't,” highlighting that women can determine their social positions with their own will. Drawing from her personal experiences, she sociologically compared Japanese and Turkish cultures. Kato pointed out that behind the visible, there is actually an invisible or deliberately concealed “female-dominated” structure both within the home and in society. She also emphasized the critical role of women in the transmission of morality, education, and culture.
In his closing remarks, our President Prof. Atilla Arkan emphasized the need to aim for “well-being in family and work life.” He stated that the new generation is experiencing a new kind of experience, and thus, the importance of fostering open communication. Prof. Arkan expressed that the Intellectual Interaction Meetings are important for understanding the reality we live in.
In conclusion, this significant meeting fostered a rich discussion on the role of women in the workplace and the obstacles they face, encouraging valuable interaction with the participants' ideas.
