Special Panel on March 8: “Being a Woman in the Business World: Experiences and Realities”

Author: yasar.gultekin | Date: March 30, 2026

Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Tourism hosted a meaningful event as part of the March 8 International Women’s Day celebrations. The panel titled “Being a Woman in the Business World: Experiences and Realities” brought together successful women from various sectors with academics and students.

The panel, moderated by Prof. Dr. Yetkin BULUT, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, featured prominent speakers from the fields of healthcare, business, law, and civil society. In the well-attended event, topics such as the challenges women face in professional life, the glass ceiling syndrome, entrepreneurship journeys, and the paths to success were discussed in a sincere and open manner. In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Yetkin BULUT emphasized that women’s participation in the workforce is a cornerstone of societal development and stated that such events serve as a source of inspiration for younger generations.

Speakers Share Their Experiences

During the panel moderated by Prof. Dr. Yetkin BULUT, the speakers evaluated the realities of being a woman in the business world based on their own professional experiences.

Dr. Hamiyet ÇAYLI, Bafra District Health Director, spoke about the responsibilities of being a female manager in the demanding structure of the healthcare sector. She highlighted that women’s compassion and work discipline are among the most important factors leading to success in healthcare services, and noted that challenges encountered in career progression can be overcome through determination and teamwork. Vennas AKYOL, Founder and Operator of Venn Group, shared the subtleties of surviving in the sector and building a brand as a woman entrepreneur. She remarked that female entrepreneurs not only establish businesses but also lead with a vision that adds value to society.

Attorney and Mediator Büşra ÇELEBİ, representing the legal field, drew attention to the important reconciliatory role of women in her profession and in mediation processes. She stated that the female perspective in business creates a significant difference in areas ranging from conflict management to collaborative solutions, and emphasized the importance of achieving gender equality alongside the establishment of justice in law.

Şehnaz DERELİ, President of the SAMSİKAD Board of Directors, evaluated the contribution of civil society organizations to women’s employment and emphasized the power of solidarity in the business world. She noted that women need to act together to become stronger in professional life.

Rezzan GÜNDAY, Bafra Representative of the Samsun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TSO) Women Entrepreneurs Board, discussed the contributions of women entrepreneurs operating with local dynamics to the regional economy. She stated that being a woman entrepreneur means not only producing and creating employment but also serving as a source of inspiration.

The gathering, where successful women from different sectors shared their experiences, concluded with a conversational session in which participants exchanged sectoral insights and a group photo taken to commemorate the day. The panel, which continued with a mutual question-and-answer session, was followed with great interest by the students. The event ended with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the speakers and a group photo session.