5.3.4 WOMEN SUPPORT in SUBJECTS WHERE THEY ARE UNDERREPRESENTED

At Bahcesehir - Bahçeşehir University - University (BAU), we are strongly committed to advancing gender equality, diversity, and inclusion across all academic disciplines. In alignment with this mission, BAU actively encourages and supports the participation of women in fields where they have been historically underrepresented, including—but not limited to—engineering, technology, and the natural sciences.

Through targeted outreach programs, scholarships and mentorship opportunities, and BAU’s unique “APPLY BAU” scholarship system, the university provides tailored support mechanisms that empower women to pursue academic excellence and leadership in these areas.

BAU recognizes that increasing women’s representation in science, technology, and innovation is essential not only for gender equity but also for achieving sustainable development and social progress. Therefore, the university continues to cultivate an inclusive and supportive learning environment where women are encouraged to explore, create, and lead.

The following examples highlight initiatives, projects, and events implemented by Bahçeşehir University during the 2023–2024 academic year that promote women’s participation and empowerment in underrepresented fields.

Science Scholarships

In 2023, Bahcesehir University (BAU) launched the Science Scholarship Program as part of its institutional commitment to supporting scientists and advancing gender equality in education and research. The program aims to encourage excellence in doctoral studies while ensuring that women are equally represented and supported in academic fields where they remain underrepresented—particularly in science, technology, and engineering.

Within the scope of this initiative, 77 doctoral students received science scholarships during the relevant academic year, 40 of whom were women (51.9%). This reflects BAU’s dedication to promoting women’s participation and leadership in scientific research and innovation.

Science scholarships are granted for the entire duration of doctoral education, which in Türkiye is a minimum of four years, and continue uninterrupted until the completion of the doctoral program as defined by the national higher education framework.

By prioritizing women’s access to opportunities in STEM and science and supporting their academic advancement through long-term financial and institutional assistance, Bahçeşehir University reinforces its commitment to gender equality, inclusivity, and the empowerment of women in science.

The table below presents the distribution of doctoral students receiving science scholarships, demonstrating BAU’s proactive approach in supporting female scholars and ensuring balanced participation in research fields traditionally dominated by men.

1	BUĞRA	TAŞDEMİR	BİLGİSAYAR MÜHENDİSLİĞİ (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
2	MERVE	KARA	EĞİTİM TEKNOLOJİSİ (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
3	LARA	ÖZER	EĞİTİM TEKNOLOJİSİ (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
4	VESİLE DERYA	ÇAKIR	EĞİTİM TEKNOLOJİSİ (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
5	ARİFE CEREN	GÜRSOY	EĞİTİM TEKNOLOJİSİ (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
6	Margrit	Yeşiltepe	EĞİTİM TEKNOLOJİSİ (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
7	ÖZLEM	BAYRAKTAR GÖKŞEN	EKONOMİ VE FİNANS (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
8	KENAN	PELVAN	EKONOMİ VE FİNANS (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
9	SEZGİN CUMHUR	ÖRNEK	EKONOMİ VE FİNANS (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
10	SERDAR	KAYA	ENDÜSTRİ MÜHENDİSLİĞİ (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
11	ŞÜKRAN ECE	ESİRGEN	ENDÜSTRİ MÜHENDİSLİĞİ (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
12	HANDE BESNA	GÖÇEN	FİZYOTERAPİ VE REHABİLİTASYON (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
13	HAVVA EZGİ	ALBAYRAK	FİZYOTERAPİ VE REHABİLİTASYON (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
14	ŞENOL	SÖĞÜT	İNGİLİZ DİLİ EĞİTİMİ (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
15	CEMRENUR	MANGIR	İNGİLİZ DİLİ EĞİTİMİ (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
16	NİHANSU	YURTSEVEN AKIŞ	İNGİLİZ DİLİ EĞİTİMİ (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
17	MUSA DUHAN	MUSAOĞLU	İNGİLİZ DİLİ EĞİTİMİ (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
18	ALPAY	GÖKÇE	İŞLETME (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
19	BEKİR	POLAT	İŞLETME (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
20	HASAN	KARAMAN	İŞLETME MÜHENDİSLİĞİ (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
21	RAGIP	ŞENGÜL	ÖZEL HUKUK (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
22	BEYHAN	ÖZEREN	ÖZEL HUKUK (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
23	NİHAN	KALKAN	REHBERLİK VE PSİKOLOJİK DANIŞMANLIK (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
24	İREM	HATTAT	REKLAMCILIK VE HALKLA İLİŞKİLER (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
25	RAFET FATİH	ÖZGÜR	REKLAMCILIK VE HALKLA İLİŞKİLER (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
26	ÖMER BATUHAN	ÖZMEN	REKLAMCILIK VE HALKLA İLİŞKİLER (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
27	HAMDİ	APALI	SİNEMA VE MEDYA ARAŞTIRMALARI (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
28	ÖMER FARUK	CANDAL	SİNİRBİLİM (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
29	MUSTAFA FATİH	ÇETİNTAŞ	SİNİRBİLİM (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
30	AKIN	AKYÜZ	SİNİRBİLİM (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
31	AHMET ERTUĞRUL	AKYOL	SİYASET BİLİMİ VE ULUSLARARASI İLİŞKİLER (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
32	BÜŞRANUR	TENİK	SİYASET BİLİMİ VE ULUSLARARASI İLİŞKİLER (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
33	EMEL	TOPÇU	EĞİTİM TEKNOLOJİSİ (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
34	SELİN	ÖZDEMİR	EĞİTİM TEKNOLOJİSİ (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
35	DİLA	SÜZAN	EĞİTİM TEKNOLOJİSİ (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
36	BERRİN	KEMAHLI	EĞİTİM TEKNOLOJİSİ (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
37	SEHLA	ERTAN	EĞİTİM TEKNOLOJİSİ (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
38	ZEYNEP	AYDEMİR	EĞİTİM TEKNOLOJİSİ (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
39	MERVE	SERT ORHAN	EĞİTİM TEKNOLOJİSİ (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
40	CEM	TAŞDEMİR	EĞİTİM TEKNOLOJİSİ (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
41	OKTAY	ÇETİN	ENDÜSTRİ MÜHENDİSLİĞİ (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
42	MEHMET	ÖZ	ENDÜSTRİ MÜHENDİSLİĞİ (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
43	CANSU	DEMİR	FİZYOTERAPİ VE REHABİLİTASYON (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
44	GÖRKEM	AÇAR	FİZYOTERAPİ VE REHABİLİTASYON (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
45	YUSUF	YAŞASIN	FİZYOTERAPİ VE REHABİLİTASYON (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
46	BEYZA	ÇOBAN	FİZYOTERAPİ VE REHABİLİTASYON (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
47	BETÜL	ÜNAL	FİZYOTERAPİ VE REHABİLİTASYON (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
48	İLKER CAN	BÜYÜKKIRLI	FİZYOTERAPİ VE REHABİLİTASYON (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
49	ÖZNUR	KAYA SAĞLAM	FİZYOTERAPİ VE REHABİLİTASYON (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
50	ZERRİN	YILMAZ	FİZYOTERAPİ VE REHABİLİTASYON (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
51	KÜBRA	CAN	HEMŞİRELİK (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
52	BARIŞ	ÖZDERE	HEMŞİRELİK (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
53	MELİKE	UBUZ	İNGİLİZ DİLİ EĞİTİMİ (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
54	NİHAL	OZDEMİR	İNGİLİZ DİLİ EĞİTİMİ (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
55	SEÇİL	CENGİZ	İNGİLİZ DİLİ EĞİTİMİ (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
56	KAAN	ÖZKORKMAZ	İŞLETME (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
57	MEHMET RAŞİT	ÖZDOĞLAR	İŞLETME (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
58	ÖZGÜR VOLKAN	ŞAHİN	İŞLETME MÜHENDİSLİĞİ (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
59	TAHA	TAŞDEMİR	İŞLETME MÜHENDİSLİĞİ (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
60	BURAK	ŞAHİN	İŞLETME MÜHENDİSLİĞİ (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
61	AFŞİN BURAK	UMAR	KAMU HUKUKU (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
62	Mariame	Bentaibi	MİMARLIK VE TASARIM (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
63	RAGIP	ŞENGÜL	ÖZEL HUKUK (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
64	BUĞRA	ÖZTÜRK	REHBERLİK VE PSİKOLOJİK DANIŞMANLIK (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
65	NESLİGÜL DENİZ	KOLAŞİNLİ	REKLAMCILIK VE HALKLA İLİŞKİLER (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
66	MURAT	GÖLLÜ	REKLAMCILIK VE HALKLA İLİŞKİLER (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
67	SİBEL	ELALTUNTERİN	SİNEMA VE MEDYA ARAŞTIRMALARI (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
68	BEGÜM	LAVKOR	SİNEMA VE MEDYA ARAŞTIRMALARI (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
69	BALIM	İSLAMOĞLU	SİNEMA VE MEDYA ARAŞTIRMALARI (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
70	BERKE	DOĞANOĞLU	SİNEMA VE MEDYA ARAŞTIRMALARI (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
71	MUSTAFA	TÜRKAN	SİNEMA VE MEDYA ARAŞTIRMALARI (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
72	BANU	TOPÇU DİREN	SİNEMA VE MEDYA ARAŞTIRMALARI (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
73	EHSAN	SAYYAH	SİNİRBİLİM (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
74	BAHAR	KILIÇ	SİYASET BİLİMİ VE ULUSLARARASI İLİŞKİLER (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
75	FATMA	UÇURUM	SOSYOLOJİ (İNGİLİZCE, DOKTORA)
76	PINAR	KARAKAYA	SOSYOLOJİ (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)
77	AKIN	MUTLU	SOSYOLOJİ (TÜRKÇE, DOKTORA)

APPLY BAU Scholarship Program and Support for Women Students (Including STEM and Engineering Fields)

ApplyBAU is Türkiye’s first and most innovative university admissions and scholarship model, introduced by Bahcesehir University (BAU) in 2013. Rather than relying solely on standardized examinations that assess curriculum-based performance, BAU’s ApplyBAU model prioritizes each applicant’s individual skills, interests, talents, and aspirations, ensuring a more inclusive and holistic admissions process.

Within this framework, BAU allocates dedicated scholarship quotas for women students across all departments each academic year and systematically monitors scholarship applications from women to ensure gender balance and equal opportunity. This approach is an integral part of BAU’s institutional policy to enhance women’s access to higher education and reduce gender disparities in academic participation, particularly in fields where women remain underrepresented.

As part of its transparency and accountability principles, the gender distribution of scholarship recipients under the ApplyBAU system is publicly shared each year.

The data reveal that female students continue to constitute the majority in several faculties. In the Faculty of Educational Sciences, women represent approximately 80% of scholarship recipients by 2024, indicating strong and consistent female participation. Similarly, the Faculties of Health Sciences and Architecture and Design have maintained high female representation—ranging between 70% and 85%—demonstrating sustained gender balance in traditionally female-oriented disciplines.

The Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, which includes STEM-related programs, has exhibited more dynamic trends. The proportion of scholarships awarded to female students in the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences has shown a steady increase over the four-year period.

Through the ApplyBAU Scholarship Program, Bahçeşehir University not only expands educational access but also actively promotes women’s empowerment in STEM fields, aligning with the principles of SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by fostering inclusive and equitable academic opportunities for all.

The graph illustrates the progression of scholarships awarded to female students, including those in engineering (STEM-related disciplines) where women have been traditionally underrepresented.

BAU Graduate School – Master’s Scholarships and Women’s Support Program (Includes STEM and Engineering)

As part of its transparency and accountability principles, the gender distribution of scholarship recipients under the ApplyBAU system is publicly shared each year.

The graph illustrates the progression of scholarships awarded to female students, including those in engineering (STEM-related disciplines) where women have been traditionally underrepresented.

BAU actively promotes gender equality and women’s participation in graduate education through dedicated scholarship programs. Within the BAU Graduate School, women pursuing master’s degrees receive financial and academic support to strengthen their representation in higher education and research. These scholarships aim to empower women scholars, encourage academic excellence, and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable academic environment in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 5 – Gender Equality, and SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities).

The graph below illustrates the overall proportion of female and male students enrolled in graduate programs, along with their respective scholarship rates.

Across the two academic years, the overall distribution indicates that 58.6% of scholarships were awarded to female students, while 41.4% were granted to male students. This consistent gender balance reinforces BAU’s commitment to equitable funding policies and gender-sensitive approaches to postgraduate education, particularly in STEM and engineering areas.

The graph below illustrates the overall proportion of female and male scholarship recipients in graduate schools, along with their respective scholarship rates.

The images below focus on disciplines in which women have been historically underrepresented—particularly STEM and Engineering fields. These charts display both total female enrollment in graduate-level programs and the percentage of women receiving scholarships in these areas.

In the last two years, the total number of female students enrolled in graduate engineering programs increased markedly from 135 to 197. This steady growth demonstrates BAU’s success in encouraging women to pursue advanced studies in engineering and related STEM fields.

Similarly, the number of female scholarship recipients in these STEM programs rose from 45 (33.3%) in 2023–2024 to 73 (37.0%). This upward trend indicates not only higher enrollment but also improved access to financial aid mechanisms designed to support women in technical and scientific disciplines.

Collectively, the diagrams highlight Bahçeşehir University’s ongoing commitment to fostering gender equity and supporting women’s participation and advancement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through targeted scholarship opportunities.

BAU “Women and Technology – Inspiring Women’s Participation in Tech and Innovation” Online Training and Educational Material

The images below feature both the cover of the BAU “Women and Technology – Inspiring Women’s Participation in Tech and Innovation” Online Training and its educational content.

In line with its commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s participation in technology, Bahçeşehir University (BAU), through BAUGO, implemented the training “Women and Technology: Discover Your Role and Enhance Your Potential.”

The training was designed to encourage female students and young professionals to pursue education and careers in technology, innovation, and digital industries, fields in which women remain globally underrepresented.

The training aimed to raise awareness about gender disparities in the technology sector and to empower women to recognize and strengthen their potential as innovators, leaders, and creators in the digital world.

Through interactive modules on the history of women in technology, gender equality and equal opportunity, international approaches, data and statistics, and women’s contribution to science and technology in Türkiye, participants explored both the challenges and opportunities shaping women’s presence in this field.

By addressing barriers such as stereotypes, unequal access, and representation gaps, the training created a platform for reflection, dialogue, and skill-building. It also reinforced the importance of women’s active participation in technological innovation and digital transformation, aligning with BAU’s mission to foster inclusive growth through education.

Course Content included:

Scope and Content of the Equal Opportunity in Technology Project
Historical Perspective on Equality of Opportunity in Technology
Equal Opportunity and the International Community
Gender and Equal Opportunity
Statistics on Women’s Place in the World of Technology and Science
Support for Women’s Role in the World of Technology and Science
The Role of Women in the World of Science and Technology in Türkiye

This initiative directly contributes to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by promoting women’s empowerment in technology, while also supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through its focus on inclusive participation, digital literacy, and knowledge-based development.

BAU “Women’s Leadership and Governance in Sports – Encouraging Women’s Participation in Sports Governance

The image below shows the official promotional poster for the BAU “Women’s Leadership and Governance in Sports – Encouraging Women’s Participation in Sports Governance” event.

In line with its ongoing commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in leadership, Bahçeşehir University (BAU) organized the online event “Women’s Leadership and Governance in Sports” in collaboration with the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) as part of the 2024 Sport Integrity Week.

The session addressed the underrepresentation of women in sports governance, aiming to inspire and encourage female students and early-career professionals to pursue education and leadership roles in this male-dominated field. Participants explored systemic barriers to gender equality in the sports sector and discussed effective strategies to enhance women’s visibility, participation, and decision-making power in national and international sports institutions.

Bringing together academics, professionals, and industry leaders, the event highlighted the importance of integrity, transparency, and inclusivity as fundamental principles of good governance in sports. It also emphasized the role of mentorship, networking, and education in developing the next generation of women leaders in sports management and policy.

Through its partnership with SIGA, Bahçeşehir University reaffirmed its institutional commitment to ethical governance, diversity, and equal participation across all leadership domains, while continuing to motivate women to take active roles in fields where they remain underrepresented.

This initiative directly contributes to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by supporting women’s leadership and representation in governance, while also aligning with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through its collaborative, capacity-building, and advocacy-based approach.

BAU Equal Opportunity in Technology Certification Program

The image below shows the official promotional poster of the BAU “Equal Opportunity in Technology Certification Program”.

Bahçeşehir University (BAU), in collaboration with CIFAL Istanbul, affiliated with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and in partnership with Yapı Kredi Bank, continues to advance its mission of promoting equality and innovation through the “Equal Opportunity in Technology Certification Program.” This initiative is designed to increase women’s participation in the fields of technology and innovation, contributing to the creation of a more inclusive and diverse digital future.

The certification program provides free, high-quality training delivered by Bahçeşehir University’s distinguished academic staff. Participants engage in comprehensive learning modules covering Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Technologies, Cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Industry 5.0. These training contents are developed with a focus on practical applicability and global standards, ensuring participants gain both theoretical knowledge and industry-relevant competencies.

In 2024, the program expanded its scope to reach a broader audience. It is now open to all women aged 15 and above, with no upper age limit, allowing greater inclusivity and ensuring that women of all ages can benefit from technological education and empowerment opportunities.

Participants who successfully complete the certification program and achieve a minimum score of 70 in the final evaluation will receive an E-Government Approved Certificate of Achievement, jointly accredited by UNITAR and Bahçeşehir University. Those who complete at least 75% of the coursework will be awarded a UNITAR-accredited Certificate of Participation.

The Equal Opportunity in Technology Certification Program is entirely free of charge and open to all women who wish to develop their skills and advance their careers in technology. Moreover, individuals of any gender residing in the “Hope Cities” established by Koç Holding after the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes are also eligible to participate, reflecting Bahçeşehir University’s unwavering commitment to social responsibility, inclusivity, and equal access to education.

Launched in 2023, the program has already achieved remarkable impact: by the end of 2024, a total of 22,450 women have successfully completed the training and received certificates. The certification program will continue until the end of 2026, aiming to reach and empower even more women across Türkiye and beyond through education, innovation, and equal opportunity.

Detailed information about the program and the application process can be accessed through the link below:

BAU MOVE UP Program – Inspiring Young Women in Technology

The images below present both the official promotional poster of the BAU “MOVE UP Program” and selected moments from the program.

As part of its commitment to promoting gender equality and diversity in education, Bahçeşehir University (BAU) integrates gender-inclusive approaches into all of its outreach and capacity-building programs. One of the most impactful examples of this commitment is the BAU MOVE UP Capacity Building and Training Programme, which not only provides free, high-quality learning opportunities to high school students across Türkiye but also focuses on encouraging young women to pursue studies and careers in fields where they are historically underrepresented, particularly technology and STEM disciplines.

Launched in 2019, the MOVE UP Programme continues to expand its reach, empowering hundreds of students each year from diverse regions, including Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, and Bursa.

In the 2024 implementation, the program included a series of workshops dedicated to women’s participation in technology, addressing themes such as gender equality in digital transformation, women’s leadership in innovation, and equal access to technology-driven education and careers.

Delivered by Bahçeşehir University’s distinguished academics and experts, these interactive sessions aimed to inspire female participants to explore their potential in science, technology, engineering, and digital fields — areas where women remain underrepresented both in academia and the workforce.

The training also promoted critical 21st-century competencies such as digital literacy, innovation, communication, and leadership, empowering young women to become confident contributors to Türkiye’s technological and social development.

Reflecting BAU’s mission to ensure equal access to education and opportunity, the MOVE UP Programme is entirely free of charge and open to high school students across the country. By integrating gender equality and inclusion into its outreach initiatives, Bahçeşehir University encourages and supports women’s applications and participation in STEM and other underrepresented disciplines, aligning its efforts with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) to build a more inclusive and sustainable future.

BAU Empowering Women in the Energy Sector Seminars: Advancing Gender Equality in a Male-Dominated Field

The image below shows the official promotional posters of the BAU “Empowering Women in the Energy Sector Seminars”.

Organized by the BAU Energy Club, the Women in the Energy Sector seminar series provided an inspiring platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by women in one of the most male-dominated industries worldwide. Featuring distinguished speakers such as Ada Tekin (Renewable Energy Business Development and Sales Manager at Sinerji), Sedef Budak (Founder and President of YEYAKAD – Green Collar Women Association), and Başak Çağla Efe (Business Development Specialist at Aksa), the events shed light on the importance of increasing women’s participation and leadership in the energy sector. The seminars coincided with International Women’s Day and aimed to empower female students and young professionals to pursue careers in science, technology, and renewable energy.

The discussions highlighted key barriers women encounter in professional growth, including gender bias, underrepresentation in leadership positions, and the lack of mentorship opportunities. Speakers emphasized that the inclusion of women in energy and sustainability-related careers is not only a matter of fairness but also a driver of innovation, creativity, and better decision-making. By sharing their own experiences, the guest speakers encouraged participants to challenge stereotypes, advocate for diversity, and create equitable professional environments where both women and men can thrive equally.

By fostering dialogue around gender equality and sustainable leadership, the Women in the Energy Sector seminar series promoted the principle of equal opportunity and the empowerment of women in STEM and energy-focused careers. This initiative contributes to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by supporting women’s representation in decision-making roles, breaking systemic barriers in male-dominated sectors, and inspiring the next generation of women leaders to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for the energy industry.

FUTURE WOMEN: Creating New Opportunities for Women in Digital and STEM Economies Project

The image below displays the official logo of the FUTURE WOMEN Project.

The Future Women Project is an international research and best practice development initiative, supported by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme, The project is implemented in partnership with Bahçeşehir University (Türkiye), Business Foundation for Education (Bulgaria), Danmar Computers (Poland), Found.ation (Greece), Mindshift Talent Advisory (Portugal), Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Finland), VivaFemina (Poland), and the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy (Bulgaria).

The image below presents a screenshot from the official website of the Future Women Project, featuring the sponsors of the initiative.

The CPD Programme includes five key learning modules:

Career Counselling for the Digital Economy and STEM Careers
Integrating Academic and Career Development
Gender Issues and Career Planning
New Career Methods and Techniques
Social Media in Career Guidance

Through its dual focus on research and practical implementation, Future Women contributes directly to SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by promoting inclusive participation, evidence-based policymaking, and gender-responsive innovation in education and employment.