The launch event of the ELEVATE Project, which aims to empower women entrepreneurs who lost their businesses, production spaces, and market networks in the aftermath of the February 6, 2023 earthquakes, was held today at Cappadocia University’s Mustafapaşa Campus, in the A1 Hall of the Medrese Building.
Implemented with the financial support of the British Council, the project is coordinated by Cappadocia University and the University of Wolverhampton, in partnership with Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay Metropolitan Municipality, Tech West Midlands, and the Antiokhia Women’s Cooperative.
The event was attended by Prof. Dr. İlhan Öztürk, Vice-Rector of Cappadocia University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Halil Burak Sakal, Director of the Center for Social and Strategic Studies at Cappadocia University; Prof. Dr. Roya Rahimi, ELEVATE Project Lead from the University of Wolverhampton; Prof. Dr. Özlem Özdemir, Advisor to the Rector of Hatay Mustafa Kemal University; Prof. Dr. Ayşe Yavuz Kocaman, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University; as well as project trainers and faculty members Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kadriye Şahin and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sonyel Oflazoğlu Dora.
The program introduced the comprehensive scope of the project, which aims not only to support the economic recovery of women entrepreneurs affected by the earthquakes but also to enhance their digital and social empowerment. It was announced that participants would receive training in areas such as social media management, e-commerce infrastructure development, digital marketing strategies, online sales techniques, safe digital practices, and basic financial literacy. It was emphasized that the training content was developed through scientific methods based on real needs in the field and would be supported by mentoring, workshops, and peer learning.
Speakers highlighted that one of the main objectives of the ELEVATE Project is to increase the digital visibility of women entrepreneurs, strengthen their branding processes, and facilitate their access to new markets. The project was presented as a strong model for supporting the reintegration of women into economic and social life during the post-disaster recovery period, fostering a culture of solidarity, and contributing to regional development.
Hosted by Cappadocia University, the launch event was evaluated as a significant step toward supporting the productive capacity of women in a sustainable manner and contributing to the reconstruction of the region.