Women's participation in the workforce is one of the basic elements of social development as well as economic growth. Although significant progress has been made in the fields of education, technology and social awareness in Turkey in recent years, women's employment is still below its potential.

According to the data of the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT), the labor force participation rate of women aged 15 and over is approximately 36%, while this rate is over 70% for men. As of the first quarter of 2025, the employment rate for women was 32.4%, while for men it was 66.1%. While the female unemployment rate is 10.9%, this rate is 6.5% for men. The data show that although there is an increase in women's participation in the workforce, there are still structural barriers.

The active participation of women in business life is of strategic importance not only in terms of equality, but also in terms of economic growth, social welfare and sustainable competitiveness of institutions. Effective participation of half of the labor force in production increases the efficiency of the country's economy; increases household incomes and supports economic independence. From an institutional perspective, diversity is not only a value, but also the key to innovation, cohesion, and long-term success.

The main factors limiting women's participation in the workforce include gender roles, unbalanced distribution of domestic responsibilities, inequalities in educational opportunities and low female representation in certain sectors. In addition, the lack of flexible working models and the glass ceiling syndrome also deepen this picture.

Taking responsibility in this regard for institutions is not only to increase participation rates, but also to ensure the quality and sustainability of participation. The transition to flexible and hybrid working models, the implementation of mentoring and leadership development programs, the integration of gender awareness into corporate culture and the support of women's entrepreneurship are among the basic steps of this process.

Digital transformation, green economy and new generation working models offer important opportunities for women to gain a stronger place in business life. In this transformation process, the inclusive and egalitarian approaches of institutions are an investment in the future of not only women but the whole society.

Today is the right time to be part of that transformation. Increasing women's participation in the workforce is a common achievement not only for women, but also for institutions, the economy and society. It is possible to grow this gain together.

Ceren İnci ÖZEN
Human Resources Executive