Organized annually by the “Women-Friendly Brands Platform” during the week of “March 8, International Women's Day” since 2021, the Women-Friendly Brands Awareness Awards expanded to an international scale for the first time this year. Held under the theme “Global Transformation Journey,” the awards honored brands that have made a significant impact in the field of gender equality.
Bringing together distinguished brands, brand representatives, NGOs, academics, and thought leaders who champion gender equality, defend women’s rights, and empower women, this international event united not only Turkey’s but also the world’s most equality-focused projects under one roof.
Nazlı Demirel, Founder of the Women-Friendly Brands Platform, shared her excitement for the awards’ fifth year: "We are delighted to reward the brands that adopt women-friendly policies and implement valuable projects in support of gender equality. Beyond creating awareness, this platform continues to be a true representative of real transformation. We wholeheartedly congratulate all the winners and support the steps they are taking toward a more equal and inclusive future. This year, we are also proud to have carried the Women-Friendly Brands Awareness Awards to an international stage, bringing together brands from around the world that create impact in the field of gender equality. Together, we will continue working to contribute to a fairer and more equal future.”
GLOBAL TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY PANEL
Moderated by news anchor and journalist Ahu Orakçıoğlu, this panel discussed the role of gender equality in global transformation. Elsa Branco, President of the Terras Dentro Association; Roberta Dall’Olio, Director at EURADA (European Association of Development Agencies); and Rumyana Shalamanova, President of Know & Can Association, evaluated the international impact of women-friendly policies and the contribution of raising awareness to sustainable development.
INSPIRING BRANDS ON THE EQUALITY JOURNEY PANEL
In another panel moderated by Buket Güngen, Director of the Competency and Development Academy of the Women-Friendly Brands Platform, the stories of brands that promote equality in the business world were shared. Onur Ozan, Head of Academy and Culture at Türkiye Finans; Hülya Kırçuval, Chairwoman of the TİKAV Board; Cenk Akıncılar, Deputy General Manager at QNB; and Pelin İmre Gürkan, Head of Human Resources and Executive Board Member at Gülermak, underlined the importance of creating an equality-oriented corporate culture and shared successful case studies with the participants.
Following the sessions, Oya Kalender, Founder of OIA Wellness Dermocosmetics, delivered an inspiring talk titled “A State of Well-Being.”
During the program, the “Inspiring Author Award” was presented to 11-year-old author Nehir Lal Gökçe for her book The Girl Who Saved the World, while the “Gender Equality Contribution Award” was presented to Prof. Dr. Zeynep Karahan Uslu. The “Media Awareness Award” was granted to the TV series BAHAR, and the “Impactful NGO Award” was presented to the association YANINDAYIZ.
International Women-Friendly Brands Awareness Awards — Winning Brands and Projects by Category:
Gender Equality: Legrand Türkiye – elle@legrand Merck Türkiye – EmpowerHer Initiative Aksa Akrilik – Akkim – Dowaksa – The Chemistry of Equality Alpay Mermer – Our Strength is Equality Coca-Cola İçecek – Proud Faces Program İstanbul Gedik University – Women Welders Training Program Kariyer.net – #Let’sNameIt Kiğılı – Equality Starts in Your Pocket Muğla Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Fathers and Daughters Otokoç Otomotiv – Glass Ceilings Look Better in Cars Samsung Electronics TR – Women Technician Training Program SuperFresh – Women Stars of Agriculture Türk Traktör – The Miracles of Sprouts
Equal Opportunity in Education: Abdi İbrahim Pharmaceuticals – ODA (Middle School Support Academy) Alarko Holding – Young Teachers for the Republic's Future
Support for Women Entrepreneurs and Women’s Empowerment: English Home – Women at Work: E-Commerce Grown by Handcraft EY Turkey – EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women Program Komili Olive Oil – Komili Olive and Olive Oil Institute Madame Coco – Brand Ambassadors Mercedes Benz Automotive – She’s Mentoring Program Mey Diageo – Samandağ Gastronomy Village TÜRKONFED – Women’s Power in Entrepreneurship
Women’s Employment and Equal Opportunity at Work: Akçansa – GençİZ Long-Term Women Internship Program Askon Demir – Astrathon Binance TR – Binance Women in Tech Academy Borçelik – Equality is Our Business Borusan Logistics – Strong Women, Strong Logistics Canon Eurasia – Women in Sales Enerjisa Üretim – Women Turning Wind into Energy Karaca – Leaving a Mark with Women in Sales Şok Marketler – I’m Here Too at ŞOK Yorglass – Women Mentorship Program
Supporting Women and Girls in Sports, Arts, Science, and Education: Enplus – Women Stars of Sports Orkid – Supporting Women in Sports Program
