The 5th National Student Congress on Women was organized by the Women and Family Studies Research and Application Center (EKAUM) of Erzurum Technical University (ETU).
The congress, organized online to raise awareness and increase understanding of gender equality, was attended by ETU Rector Prof. Dr. Bülent Çakmak, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ceren Sultan Elmalı, Istanbul Technical University Women's Studies and Application Center Director Prof. Dr. Hatice Ayataç, and numerous academics and students.
Speaking at the opening of the congress, Rector Prof. Dr. Bülent Çakmak stated that December 5th, the date of the congress, represents one of the most important turning points in our country's social history, saying: “The granting of the right to vote and be elected to women in 1934 was not only an expansion of political participation; it was also a powerful expression of social progress, a vision of modernization, and the principle of equal citizenship. Therefore, the congress we are holding here today is more than just commemorating the anniversary of a historical achievement; it is an effort to reinterpret this achievement with scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and academic responsibility. The meticulousness, sensitivity, and academic depth we observe in the work of young researchers give us hope for the future. Addressing the social position of women, the inequalities they face, their empowerment processes, and transforming social relations from the perspectives of different disciplines is both a richness of scientific inquiry and a requirement of a democratic society. I would like to thank all the academics who contributed to this congress, the organizing team, the juries, and everyone who provided support. I hope that the knowledge produced, the solidarity established, and the experiences shared at this congress will inspire us all.”
Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ceren Sultan Elmalı stated that EKAUM operates with the mission of raising social awareness on women's issues and gender equality, adding: “It is a source of pride that such a congress is being held on Women's Rights Day and that this is the fifth year. This shows that the congress has gained a certain continuity and has now reached an important place in terms of discussing 'women'-themed topics and problems on an academic platform. We thank everyone who contributed, and especially the participating students.”
At the fifth annual congress, a "Young Researchers Special Session" was held for the first time this year. This special session, created to support the academic curiosity of young high school students who wish to contribute by submitting abstracts, to make their scientific and artistic productions visible, and to encourage their participation in research processes at an early age, featured Aysima Bozal, a student from the Painting Talent Area of Sakarya Science and Art Center, who shared her presentation titled "Perception of Beauty and Women," prepared under the guidance of her advisor teacher Hümeyra Kaya.
Invited speaker Prof. Dr. Hatice Ayataç, Director of the Center for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology Research and Application at Istanbul Technical University, provided valuable information to the audience with her presentation titled "Society 5.0 and Urbanization".
The congress, organized to address women-themed topics and problems, featured four parallel sessions and a total of 32 presentations. Topics ranged from the bibliometric analysis of postgraduate theses on female teachers to the impact of women's perceptions of male roles on mother-in-law-daughter-in-law relationships, the effects of the longevity diet on women's health, and "Women and Quran Recitation: The Invisible Memories of Religious Tradition - The Example of Umm Sa'd."
Speaking at the closing of the program, EKAUM Director Assoc. Dr. Bahtinur Möngü stated: “We are delighted to be holding our fifth National Women's Themed Student Congress this year. For women to assert their presence, to exhibit a meaningful existence, and for awareness to be raised about women's issues and for solutions to be produced, such studies need to be conducted and their continuity ensured. At each congress, we learn something new, touch upon different points; we both address and evaluate women's rights and problems, and we contribute to the academic and personal development of young generations by creating academic platforms for them. I would like to express my gratitude to all of you for your participation.”
Corporate Communications and Promotion Directorate 5.12.2025
