Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Goktas, stated, “In the digital age, we consider empowering women in the fields of technology and innovation as a significant investment in our country’s future.”

During the Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Development Program for Women held in the ministry’s conference hall, Minister Mahinur Özdemir Goktas emphasized that knowledge is regarded as the greatest power in the lifestyle determined by scientific methods in the 21st century. Goktas highlighted that the technologies achieved with the Fourth Industrial Revolution rapidly transformed production, industry, and social life, advancing through digitalization and automation capabilities. Mentioning that basic computer skills such as data recording and storage have enriched with new technologies in the digitalization process, Goktas pointed out, “Today, data can be interpreted using methods akin to human intelligence and integrated into decision-making processes.”

During this process, profound changes in the workforce, new occupational descriptions, and technology-based new employment fields emerge. Artificial Intelligence and Data Science represent significant areas of this transformation. Goktas stated, “Data evaluated with accurate analysis and strategies hold the potential to be the key to innovative solutions in all areas of society.” She added, “THE FUTURE WORLD IS PREPARING TO OPEN ITS DOORS ONLY TO THOSE WHO SPEAK THE LANGUAGE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES.”

Goktas mentioned that a study in 2020 anticipated that by 2030, the most significant change, at 63%, will be in technology skills. Pointing out that the future world is preparing to open its doors only to those who speak the language of digital technologies, Goktas underlined, “In such a period where digital developments are swiftly progressing, it becomes critical for women and girls to enhance their digital skills to enable them to have a stronger presence in the business world.” She noted that according to the Higher Education Council data, 55% of the students commencing university education this year were females. However, it is observed that only 34.4% of STEM graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields are females. It is predicted that in the near future, 75% of occupations will be in STEM fields. Currently in Turkey, education in artificial intelligence programs is provided at the undergraduate and graduate levels in higher education institutions.

As the Ministry, we carry out works that empower society with a holistic approach covering everyone to build the Future of Turkey. We view empowering women in technology and innovation fields in the digital age as a significant investment in our country’s future. We organize education programs aimed at increasing women and girls’ technological skills, supporting them to prepare for the upcoming generation’s workforce and employment processes.”

Goktas emphasized that in the “Empowerment of Women Strategy Document and Action Plan” that covers 81 provinces, they aim to provide women and girls with new skills adaptable to technological and digital transformation. She expressed that they initiated the Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Development Program for Women today as one of the project’s strongest steps and highlighted their goal to enhance women’s career opportunities and prepare them for leadership roles in the field. She stated that through the educational program, they provide the opportunity to gain multidimensional knowledge and experience in areas such as data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence applications.

“We AIM TO INCREASE THE FEMALE EMPLOYMENT RATE TO 36.2% BY 2028,” Minister Goktas mentioned that within the scope of this program that they will expand nationwide, an initial 400 people will receive education, establishing connections with people who will guide and inspire them in the industry. She indicated that the participants will receive international certification at the end of the education shaped by a curriculum with international validity. Goktas highlighted, “We will focus on efforts to further represent women in STEM fields, and to strengthen the social and economic status of NEET women.” Goktas pointed out that in Turkey, the female employment rate reached 32.9%, and the female labor force participation rate reached 37.3%. They aim to increase the female employment rate to 36.2%, and the female labor force participation rate to 40.1% by the end of 2028. Highlighting that as the Ministry, they aim to ensure greater participation of women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields as this is indispensable for placing the power of women at the center of economic development and essential for Turkey to achieve a competitive position in the global arena.