Emine Erdoğan: Women will make our countries the shining stars of the 21st century

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's wife, Emine Erdoğan, spoke at the opening of the "Women's Leadership and Entrepreneurship Dialogue" panel at the 5th Turkey-Africa Business and Economy Forum. Erdoğan said, "Our female entrepreneurship rate, which was 13.1 percent in 2002, has risen to 18.2 percent by 2024. Turkey and Africa, with their young populations, dynamism, and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems, are prominent regions in the global economy. If we provide women with the necessary support, I believe they will make our countries the shining stars of the 21st century."

President Erdoğan's wife, Emine Erdoğan, delivered a speech at the panel. Also attending the panel opening were Trade Minister Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, Health Minister Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu, Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı, and Istanbul Governor Davut Gül.

In her opening speech at the panel, Emine Erdoğan said, "Women's support is needed in all the global, environmental, and humanitarian crises we experience. That's why I wholeheartedly believe that women should be at the center of cooperation between Turkey and African countries. As you know, we frequently visited African countries as part of Türkiye's African initiative launched in 2005. This gave me the opportunity to meet 30 different countries. I have repeatedly witnessed the inspiring power, wisdom, diligence, and contributions of African women to their societies, and from the very first day, I felt a desire to stand in solidarity with these strong women. In 2016, we established the African Handicrafts Market and Culture House in Ankara. Under the coordination of our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we offered for sale products sourced from many countries, entirely made by women. Since then, all income generated through the African House has been reaching working women. We have also carried out very special and high-quality work in the field of culture. We published the book 'African Food Culture' together with African ambassadors and organized a gastronomy bazaar. Later, we published the two-volume book 'African Proverbs.' We published it. Every May 25th, we celebrate Africa Day with various events. In addition to all this, I've also written about the human experiences I've witnessed in Africa over the years in my memoir, "My African Travels." Because Africa holds a very special place and meaning in my heart. That beautiful homeland is a gateway to my brothers and sisters that enriches my soul, broadens my perspective, and inspires me to contribute even more to humanity's grand story.

Emine Erdoğan said, "World Bank data reveals that women's participation in the workforce generates billions of dollars in increases in countries' national incomes. Therefore, women's integration into the economy is not only a social policy but also a strategic development model. As Turkey, we place great importance on supporting women's leadership and entrepreneurial skills. The positive results of this approach are reflected in the figures. Our female entrepreneurship rate, which was 13.1 percent in 2002, has risen to 18.2 percent by 2024. Surveys indicate that 60 percent of women in Türkiye want to become entrepreneurs. Furthermore, when we look at entrepreneurship stories in Türkiye, we see that women stand out with ideas that serve humanity. These ideas include many innovative projects such as environmentally friendly technologies, sustainable agricultural models, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy."

'Africa Ranks First in the World in Women's Entrepreneurship'

Emine Erdoğan said, "The picture on the African continent is also quite impressive. For example, Sub-Saharan Africa ranks first in the world with a female entrepreneurship rate of 26 percent. While these achievements are promising, we also know that women still face many challenges. They must overcome numerous obstacles, such as glass ceilings, difficulties accessing financing, limited educational opportunities, and the technological gap. Therefore, we must create concrete and sustainable solutions for women. I believe that joint funds, digital skills training, and mentorship programs will make a significant contribution to this. Turkey and Africa, with their young populations, dynamism, and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems, are prominent regions in the global economy. If we provide women with the necessary support, I believe they will make our countries the shining stars of the 21st century. Therefore, let's listen to women who have something to say to the world, dreams to share, and ideas to share. Let's walk the path to a just and hopeful future together with women." Following her speech, Erdoğan also participated in a photo shoot.

UAV

Reporter: News Center