Women’s Access Schemes

Marmara University implements various support and access programs to strengthen gender equality in higher education and to enhance women’s participation in academia, research, and professional development opportunities. These initiatives aim to ensure that female students, academics, and administrative staff have equal opportunities in education, research, leadership, and employment.

 

1. Mentoring and Guidance Programs

Marmara University promotes mentoring and guidance programs to support the academic and professional development of students and early-career academics. Within this scope, mentoring activities conducted by the Alumni Office Coordination Unit provide guidance to researchers and students on topics such as the academic publishing process, career planning, access to research funds, and participation in international academic networks.
The active participation of women in these mentoring programs is encouraged, and opportunities are provided for female alumni to serve as role models for current students. The university has women’s mentoring schemes in which at least 10% of female students actively participate, ensuring that women are effectively supported in their academic and career journeys. In addition, events organized by the Center for Research and Application on Women’s Studies in Economic and Social Fields (ESKAR) raise awareness about women’s representation, leadership, and career development in academia.

• For more information about the mentoring program: Mentor Marmara Project

• For more information about the Center: ESKAR

 

2. Scholarship and Financial Support Programs

To support the equal participation of female students and researchers in education and research, Marmara University collaborates with national and international funding institutions to promote scholarships and financial support schemes. Female students are encouraged to benefit from programs such as TÜBİTAK research support, Erasmus+ exchange grants, and various research funding opportunities.
The university facilitates access to these scholarships through advisory and information services and promotes women’s academic advancement through merit-based, need-based, or project-oriented financial supports.

 

3. Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Inclusive Education Programs

To empower women in business, academia, and the entrepreneurship ecosystem, Marmara University organizes various training programs focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation. Jointly conducted by the Center for Research and Application on Women’s Studies in Economic and Social Fields (ESKAR) and the Career Center, these programs aim to enhance women’s skills in management, project design, team leadership, and sustainable business model development.
Furthermore, seminars, workshops, and certification programs focusing on “Women’s Entrepreneurship” and “Women’s Leadership” aim to strengthen women’s participation and visibility in the labor market.

Some of the key activities organized by ESKAR include:

• • Training Project for Women’s Cooperatives

  • Coordination Board Meeting on Combating Violence Against Women

  • Workshop on Employment of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities in Future Sectors

  • Workshop on Employment of Women with Disabilities

  • Local Stakeholder Meeting for the Empowerment of Women’s Cooperatives

  • Training Project for Women’s Cooperatives in collaboration with TÜBİTAK

  • Digital Business Summit organized by ESKAR

 

4. Career Counseling and Employment Support

The Career Center of Marmara University organizes various activities with a gender equality perspective to support students’ transition into professional life after graduation. These include career planning seminars, interview simulations, and professional development workshops for female graduates, as well as awareness-raising activities to reduce gender-based inequalities in the workplace.
The Career Center also organizes networking events with employers to enhance the visibility of female graduates in the job market and develops strategic partnerships to facilitate women’s access to employment opportunities.

Some notable activities shared by the Career Center in support of women’s employment include:

• • Empowering Women Developers through Mentorship and Training Project

  • Women in Tech: Inspiring Career Stories

  • Women’s Employment in Technology Training Programs

  • Eczacıbaşı Women in Technology Committee Training Programs

  • Job Opportunities for Women: Mobile Software Development

  • A Day with Our Female Engineering Candidates at Mercedes-Benz Türk

  • Role Model Women in Technology Program

  • Internship Opportunities for Female Candidates

  • MI-POWER Women Empowerment Program

  • Mentorship and Training Programs for Female Developers

  • Amadeus Future Travellers

 

5. Awareness, Education, and Empowerment Projects

In line with the Gender Equality Plan (2022–2026), Marmara University conducts various awareness and education projects to strengthen the presence of women in academic, administrative, and social life. These include seminars, workshops, and panel sessions on topics such as gender awareness, women’s rights, leadership, equal representation, and combating gender-based discrimination.
In addition, communication campaigns carried out across the university aim to institutionalize and sustain a culture of gender equality within the university community.

• For more information about the Gender Equality Plan: Gender Equality Plan

 

Through these programs, Marmara University aims to ensure equal access and opportunities for women in education, research, and employment, while reinforcing its institutional commitment to gender equality. The university implements these policies in full alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality).