Gender Equality as Smart EconomicsThe World Bank GroupInternational Finance Corporation

Case Studies

Hüsnü M. Özyeǧin Foundation - Hüsnü M. Özyeǧin

The Özyeǧin Foundations:
Creating Opportunities For Women And Girls In Turkey

Company: Hüsnü M. Özyeǧin

"In our vision for a strong economy and equitable society, we are committed to projects empowering women in all aspects of their lives and increasing their role in the local and global economy."
- Hüsnü M. Özyeǧin
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Introduction

Even though women in Turkey have great potential to contribute to their nation's economic growth and well-being, few are active in the working arena. In 2008, less than 22 percent of Turkish women were in the labor force, compared to an average of 62 percent in OECD countries and an average of 33 percent in countries with similar levels of economic development. One big reason why women's economic potential remains underutilized is their lack of education. Ayşen and Hüsnü M. Özyeǧin, the founder of one of the largest financial services holding firms in Turkey, recognized this problem two decades ago, and they decided to do something about it.

Through several foundations, Ayşen and Hüsnü have devoted significant resources to creating opportunities for women and girls. Using access to education as the cornerstone, they have created opportunities along the complete "educational lifetime" of a woman – starting with early childhood and extending through post-secondary education. Their organizations, such as the Mother Child Education Foundation and the Özyeǧin Foundation, provide millions of euros each year to improve the lives of Turkish women and girls. In the process, all of Turkey is benefiting.

Main Lessons

  • Take a holisticapproach by looking across the lifecycle of a woman
  • Engage the wholecommunity to sustain mindset changes
  • Work with partnersto build robust and sustainable programs
  

Win-Win Situation for Business and for Women

  • 27 dormitoriesprovide over 5,000 girls the opportunity to attend secondary schoolthroughout Turkey
  • Over 550,000 peoplehave participated in face-to-face educational programs operated by theMother Child Education Foundation
  • Rate of preschoolenrollment has increased by 107% in Turkey since the inception of the "7is Too Late" campaign (facilitated by the Mother Child EducationFoundation)

 

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