tr
16 December 2024
Shine with Your Steps – Development Program for Young Women, a new initiative launched by Estée Lauder Companies and Community Volunteers Foundation (TOG), aims to empower young women to embark on their career journeys with confidence and enhance their awareness of gender equality. This five-month special development program, which started in November, targets third- and fourth-year university students who are TOG volunteers.
The program seeks to increase the economic participation of young women in Turkey and raise awareness about gender equality. It is inspired by the 2022 Gender Statistics Report prepared by TURKSTAT, which reveals that 32.3% of young women aged 15-24 in Turkey are "neither in education nor employment," compared to only 16.4% of young men.
To address these disparities, the project includes key initiatives such as:
- Training sessions to enhance the professional and personal skills of young women.
- Awareness-raising activities to prepare participants for the professional world.
- Financial support for young women to implement their gender equality-focused project ideas.
This program, designed to boost women's participation in the workforce, also contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically "No Poverty," "Gender Equality," and "Decent Work and Economic Growth."
By combining Estée Lauder Companies’ global commitment to women’s empowerment with TOG's strong connections with youth across Turkey, this impactful program supports young women in taking confident steps toward a brighter future.
Ayşe Kırımlı, TOG’s General Manager, emphasized the urgency of tackling gender inequalities:
"According to UN Women’s 2023 Gender Equality Progress Report, achieving full gender equality at the current pace will take nearly 300 years. However, we firmly believe that women must play active roles in every sphere of life. For this reason, we are committed to empowering young women and supporting their educational and professional journeys."
Through this program, young women will receive training to kickstart their careers, develop their own projects, and receive project-based mentoring. Furthermore, the top three projects selected by a jury will be awarded grants.
"We are grateful to the Estée Lauder Companies family for supporting this valuable initiative, which opens doors for young people and their dreams," Kırımlı added.
Estée Lauder Companies continues to uphold its vision of strengthening gender equality by prioritizing initiatives that promote women's education, leadership, and economic empowerment. Drawing inspiration from its founder, Estée Lauder, the company strives to create a world where women have equal opportunities. Globally, women now represent 81% of Estée Lauder's workforce, and its programs supporting women leaders contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable future.