Support for Women Exporters and Future Goals Evaluated
The TİM WINGS Workshop, moderated by Prof. Dr. Figen Yıldırım, Dean of Istinye University’s Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, was held at the TİM Foreign Trade Complex with the participation of women exporters and entrepreneurs. The workshop assessed the activities carried out under the TİM WINGS initiative over the past year and discussed new strategies and goals for the future.
“Women Entrepreneurs Are the Cornerstone of Sustainable Development”
Prof. Dr. Figen Yıldırım emphasized the importance of efforts to strengthen the position of women exporters in the global market. She stated:
“The active involvement of women entrepreneurs in exports is one of the fundamental pillars of economic growth and sustainable development. With the new strategies identified here, we will take steps to enhance the competitiveness of our women exporters in the international market.”
“Strong Women, Strong Export, Strong Türkiye”
In his opening speech, TİM President Mustafa Gültepe highlighted the crucial role of the TİM WINGS project in supporting women exporters. He pointed out that the initiative was launched on March 8, International Women’s Day, under the slogan “Strong Women, Strong Export, Strong Türkiye.”
Gültepe noted that TİM, in collaboration with TSE (Turkish Standards Institution), has developed a “Women Entrepreneur Certification Criteria.” He stated:
“With this criterion, we aim to empower women entrepreneurs in the business world. So far, 29 companies have received this certification. Additionally, we partnered with Eximbank and İGE (Export Credit Guarantee Fund) to introduce the ‘Supporting Women in Export’ package, which provides financing opportunities with favorable interest rates. To date, three companies have utilized Eximbank loans, while ten companies have benefited from İGE guarantees.”
Training and Consultancy Support for Women Entrepreneurs
Gültepe also emphasized that women entrepreneurs are not only supported financially but also through training and consultancy programs. In collaboration with Akbank, they launched the “Breaking Borders in Export” training program.
“More than 600 women entrepreneurs participated in training sessions held in Gaziantep, İzmir, Bursa, Ankara, Istanbul, and Antalya,” he noted.
Highlighting their ongoing communication with women entrepreneurs, Gültepe added:
“In the upcoming period, we will further strengthen our strategies to engage more women in exports and enhance their competitiveness. With new partnerships, stronger financial support, and more comprehensive training programs, we aim to take TİM WINGS to the next level.”
New Roadmap Established
The workshop concluded with group discussions moderated by Prof. Dr. Figen Yıldırım, where participants actively contributed their ideas and suggestions for the project. As a result, new strategies were defined, and roadmaps for future initiatives and projects were clearly outlined to further support women exporters.
