Support for Women Exporters and Future Goals Were Evaluated
The TİM WINGS Workshop, moderated by Prof. Dr. Figen Yıldırım, Dean of the Faculty of Economic, Administrative, and Social Sciences at Istinye University, was held with the participation of women exporters and entrepreneurs at the TİM Foreign Trade Complex. During the workshop, activities carried out under TİM WINGS in the past year were evaluated, and new strategies and goals for the future were discussed.
"Women Entrepreneurs Are the Cornerstones of Sustainable Development"
Prof. Dr. Figen Yıldırım, highlighting the importance of efforts to help women exporters gain a stronger position in the global market during the workshop, stated, "The active role of women entrepreneurs in exports is one of the cornerstones of economic growth and sustainable development. With the new strategies determined here, we will take steps to make our women exporters more competitive in the international market."
"Strong Women, Strong Exports, Strong Turkey"
In his opening speech at the workshop, TİM President Mustafa Gültepe emphasized the critical role of the TİM WINGS project in supporting women exporters. Gültepe noted that the project was launched on International Women's Day, March 8, and expressed, "We have taken action with the slogan 'Strong Women, Strong Exports, Strong Turkey.'"
Gültepe also mentioned that TİM, in collaboration with TSE, has developed the "Women Entrepreneur Certification Criteria." He said, "Through this criteria, we aim to give women entrepreneurs more influence in the business world. So far, 29 of our companies have received this certification." He also shared that TİM, together with Eximbank and İGE, prepared the 'Supporting Women in Exports' package, offering financing opportunities with favorable interest rates to women entrepreneurs. "So far, three of our companies have used credit from Eximbank, and 10 companies have benefited from İGE guarantees," he added.
Education and Consultancy Support for Women Entrepreneurs
Gültepe emphasized that women entrepreneurs are supported not only financially but also through educational and consultancy programs, mentioning that they have launched the "Surpass the Limits in Exports" training program with Akbank. He noted that over 600 women entrepreneurs participated in the training sessions organized in Gaziantep, İzmir, Bursa, Ankara, Istanbul, and Antalya.
Gültepe stated that they are in constant communication with women entrepreneurs and added, "In the upcoming period, we will strengthen our strategies to involve more women in exports and increase their competitiveness. We aim to take TİM WINGS further with new collaborations, strong financial support, and more comprehensive training programs."
New Roadmap Defined
The workshop concluded with group work moderated by Prof. Dr. Figen Yıldırım. Participants actively engaged in the process, presenting ideas and suggestions for the project. As a result, new strategies to support women exporters were established, and roadmaps for future initiatives and projects were clarified.
