Gender Dialogues: Panel at CIU
On the occasion of March 8 International Working Women's Day, Cyprus International University hosted a highly significant academic event that was organized in collaboration with the Women and Gender Research Studies Center (WGSRC) and the Faculty of Education of Cyprus International University. The panel entitled "Gender Factor" created a venue for female academics from different disciplines to convene and thus helped provide a comprehensive platform for discussions on gender issues.
Cyprus International University Rector Prof. Dr. Halil Nadiri delivered the opening speech of the panel emphasizing the fact that March 8 is not only a day of celebration but also an opportunity to draw attention to women's rights, to strengthen gender equality and last but least to support women to reach the level of representation they deserve in all areas.
Furthermore, Nadiri stated that Cyprus International University is committed to supporting the strong presence of women in science, art, economy and all aspects of life and is striving to fulfill its institutional responsibilities so as to accomplish an egalitarian and inclusive society.
The Women and Gender Research Studies Center (WGSRC) director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mihrican Aylanç was the moderator of the panel on “Gender Factor” where female academics from nine different disciplines had the opportunity to evaluate the gender factor in their respective research areas.
The panelists were Prof. Dr. Dilek Latif, Prof. Dr. Hale Özgit, Prof. Dr. Fatoş Silman, Prof. Dr. Şölen Külahçı, Prof. Dr. Hatice Sütçü, Prof. Dr. Rana Kıdak, Prof. Dr. Ahsen Işık Özgüven, Assoc.Prof. Dr. Devrim Yücel Besim and Assoc.Prof.Dr. Dr. Eliz Volkan analyzed gender roles and gender norms in education, health, law, political sciences, agriculture, architecture, engineering, tourism and psychology.
The presenters brought forth proposals that could be applicable in their own research fields in order to raise both the social and individual status of women hence promoting gender equality. The panelists also referred to the importance of creating equal educational environments that will help implement social, political and legal reforms which in turn will pave the way for women's success in all walks of life. Last but not least, the speakers also emphasized that empowering women's solidarity can be achieved by creating good role models.