For us, Women’s Day is more than just a celebration; it is a call to recognise the immense potential that remains untapped due to deep-seated biases. At Gedik Holding and Gedik University, we take pride in fostering an environment where over 250 women are breaking barriers in fields as diverse as aerospace technology and welding. Our commitment to the growth and empowerment of women and girls has spanned over six decades, and today, we witness the transformative results of these efforts.

The gendering of professions has always been fluid. Welding, a field often perceived as male-dominated, is now seeing thousands of women actively shaping the manufacturing of cutting-edge technology. Similarly, computing, once largely led by men, is again being pioneered by women. Industries that have historically excluded women must reevaluate their biases. Women have long played a dominant role in sectors such as computing and manufacturing, and there is no reason why they cannot thrive in today’s high-paying fields like engineering, finance, and technology. The cost of exclusion is not merely social-it is economic.

Both India and Turkey face challenges when it comes to women’s participation in the workforce. While the majority of employable men are already working, female labour force participation remains significantly lower. According to the World Economic Forum, India’s female labour force participation rate is around 24 per cent, while Turkey stands at approximately 35 per cent. This underutilisation of women in the workforce is one of the greatest economic inefficiencies of our time. Prioritising female education is crucial for both nations. India’s female literacy rate is currently at 70 per cent, while Turkey’s is at 95 per cent. While India is making rapid progress, particularly in rural areas, there is still much to be done. Investing in women’s education presents an opportunity for India and Turkey to collaborate and drive economic growth together.

Economic partnerships offer a powerful avenue to enhance women’s participation in business. Textiles and tourism are two industries where India and Turkey have developed growing cooperation. India is one of the largest exporters of yarn to Turkey, where manufacturers transform these raw materials into high-end fashion garments for global markets. Women play a pivotal role in both economies-whether as artisans in India weaving traditional textiles or as designers and business leaders in Turkey’s fashion industry.

Indian wedding tourism in Turkey is flourishing, and Turkish women have been instrumental in shaping this transformation.

From event planning to hospitality, luxury services, and cultural adaptation, they bridge the gap between Indian traditions and Turkish hospitality to create seamless, grand wedding experiences. Many Turkish women have specialised in organising elaborate Indian weddings in luxury destinations such as Antalya, Bodrum, and Istanbul. Hotels and resorts have trained female staff to provide authentic Indian wedding hospitality, while Turkish women in the culinary industry have honed their skills to master Indian cuisine. Their expertise extends to styling, entertainment, and venue management, making Turkey one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian weddings.

Beyond trade, fostering women entrepreneurs can further strengthen economic ties between India and Turkey. Business networks, trade fairs, and mentorship programs connecting Indian and Turkish women professionals could lead to new opportunities and innovations.

Women-led startups in both countries would benefit from cultural exchange programs, digital marketplaces, and co-working initiatives that promote cross-border entrepreneurship.

Cultural ties between India and Turkey extend beyond business, with over 300,000 Indian tourists visiting Turkey annually. From the bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the vibrant markets of Delhi, both nations share a love for dynamic street food cultures, rich history, and warm hospitality.

One fascinating cultural parallel is their tea traditions. In Turkey, tea is known as çay, while in India, masala chai is a daily staple. More than just beverages, tea symbolises hospitality, conversation, and community. Whether served in a tulip-shaped glass in Istanbul or a clay cup on the streets of Kolkata, tea fosters social connections and business discussions alike.

There is also an increasing appreciation for cultural exchange in the creative economy, including art, cinema, and music. Turkish television dramas have gained immense popularity in India, while Bollywood films enjoy a dedicated audience in Turkey. This mutual admiration provides a platform to highlight women’s contributions in creative industries, from filmmaking to fashion.

Gender equality is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic necessity. The cost of sexism is evident in lost productivity, missed opportunities, and lower economic growth. By prioritising women’s education, integrating them into various industries, and fostering international collaborations-such as those between India and Turkey-businesses and economies can unlock unprecedented potential. Women’s Day serves as a reminder that true empowerment does not stem from symbolic gestures but from meaningful structural change. It is time for policymakers, business leaders, and communities to invest in women-not just for the sake of equality, but for the economic prosperity of all.

(The writer is Chairperson, Gedik Holding, Türkiye & Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Istanbul Gedik University; views are personal)