Ayca has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in international relations and is about to complete her PhD in the same field. She also worked as an academician focusing on international relations. However, she has chosen to work in the field of IT!

European Union, 2024

Fadime Ayca Ceylan is looking forward to the start of classes

“I realised that I had a substantial interest in software when I started my PhD, and retook the university exam. While continuing my PhD, I also studied software engineering. This year, I’m a senior. I applied to the ‘Women Leading the Future in the Informatics Sector Project’ to learn more about the software sector. I was thrilled when I found out that I was accepted. I met many women eager to enter the IT sector at the inaugural event. I think the project will increase my prospects of finding a job. I am really looking forward to the start of classes,” she says.  

Emine Betül Koral has also been selected for this project, funded by the European Union (EU). She completed a training in management information systems in January 2024.

She reflects: “Management information systems combine business and software. During my academic journey, I came to the realisation that my interest lies in pursuing a career in software development. I saw the project on social media and applied for it. I was fascinated by the interview team’s professionalism and the broad scope of the training. I was very excited when I heard I was selected for the project. I believe that the project will be highly beneficial to my future.”

European Union, 2024

Emine Betül Koral wants to pursue a career in software development

Aslıhan Çalık has a degree in energy systems engineering. She has occupied many diverse workplace positions, discovering in the process that she loves IT. She explains how she got involved in the project: “While looking for opportunities to network and learn new things in this sector, I noticed this project on social media and immediately applied. Other projects I had pursued earlier did not live up to my expectations; my hope is that this project will.”

The project carried out by the Aegean Region Chamber of Industry (EBSO) has enrolled 50 unemployed female trainees who will receive 100 hours of personal development and technical training. EBSO member companies plan to employ trainees who complete their training. 

Trainers prepared in Germany

Between 21 January and 4 February 2024, fifteen teachers trained as part of the project in Stuttgart, Germany. Serpil Yeşilova, one of the trained teachers, says: “The project’s focus on supporting women’s employment and gender equality has impressed me. It was a delightful surprise to encounter two of my high school students.”

European Union, 2024

Fatih Cebeci and Serpil Yeşilova

Fatih Cebeci, the teacher instructing the trainers, reflects: “We presented the scope and trends of the IT sector to our trainers. The employment of women and the sustainability of employment in the IT sector are significant factors. I think this sector is highly suitable for women because of their ability to focus.”

Supporting the empowerment of women 

EBSO Chairman Ender Yorgancılar states: “Women affirm their presence in every area of life. Thanks to their meticulousness and focus, they are very successful in every field. We always attach great importance to being involved in projects that aim to increase women’s contribution to the economy.”

The Head of the European Union Delegation to Türkiye, Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, says: “The EU supports the empowerment of women in Türkiye and their participation in the labour force in all fields because the success of women is critical to peace, democracy, justice, and prosperity. I look forward to seeing the positive results of this project.” 

European Union, 2024

The project’s inaugural event took place in February 2024

About the project

The EU-funded project with a budget of €225,000 aims to help the employment of women aged 18 to 29 in the IT industry. The Izmir Provincial Directorate of National Education is among the project collaborators. Students have been selected through a cooperative effort of the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Vocational Factory and EBSO. Training will be provided at Konak Çınarlı Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School. 

Stories about EU-Türkiye cooperation