From diplomacy to academia, the power of women on the world stage discussed

An event titled “Women’s Place on the World Stage” was organized by the Istanbul Medipol University International Relations and Foreign Policy Club. The event, which took place at the South Campus Conference Hall, was moderated by Dr. Esra Merve Çalışkan from the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Istanbul Medipol University. The event was divided into three different sessions: “Media”, “Academy”, and “Diplomacy”. The event discussed the role of women in the defense sector, difficulties in professional life, and the obstacles women face in social and professional life. Participating guests included Journalist Ahu Özyurt, Assoc. Prof. Hatice Deniz Genç and Dr. Duygu Öztürk from the Department of Political Science and International Relations, and NATO's first female Deputy Secretary General, Rose Gottemoeller.

ÖZYURT: IT IS A GREAT ADVANTAGE TO HAVE WOMEN AT THE NEGOTIATION TABLE  
Speaking at the “Media” session of the event, Journalist Ahu Özyurt drew attention to the roles of women in the field of security and defense. She stated that although the place of female soldiers in the alliance was controversial during NATO’s founding years, female officers began to join the army in a short time. Özyurt emphasized that a similar process was experienced in Türkiye and reminded that İnci Arcan, the first female officer to join the Turkish Armed Forces in 1955, was one of the pioneers in this field. Özyurt stated that the inclusion of women in negotiation processes was of critical importance and said: “Not using female soldiers and civilian personnel in the field in multiple crisis environments is a major loss of capacity. Having women at the table increases access to information, provides different perspectives and empathy, and provides flexibility to delegations.”

DR. ÖZTÜRK: EVERY CHOICE FOR WOMEN IN ACADEMY MEANS GIVING UP  
In the “Academy” session of the event, Dr. Duygu Öztürk from the Department of International Relations at Istanbul Medipol University spoke about the difficulties of being a woman in academic life. Noting that flexible working hours may seem like an advantage, but they turn into a disadvantage for women, she said: “We have to return to academic work after the children go to bed at home. Working hours become uncertain, and personal and academic life become intertwined.” Assoc. Prof. Hatice Deniz Genç from the Department of Political Science and International Relations emphasized that female academics have to deal with the responsibilities brought about by gender roles while carrying out the scientific production process. Assoc. Prof. Genç expressed the difficulties faced by female academics and added: “Every choice is a sacrifice. We give up our own time so as not to steal from our families. Academic production is a non-stop process, and even holidays do not provide a full opportunity for rest.”

GOTTEMOELLER: WOMEN SHOULD BE MORE INVOLVED IN DIPLOMACY 
In the “Diplomacy” session of the event, Rose Gottemoeller, NATO’s first female Deputy Secretary General, shared with participants via Zoom the key moments in her diplomatic career and the role of women in international relations. Gottemoeller described herself as an “accidental diplomat”. Gottemoeller, who stated that her technical expertise was effective in her entry into diplomacy, also touched on the factors that strengthened the place of women in the field. Noting that she faced additional pressures in her career, Gottemoeller emphasized that she was greatly supported by her then-supervisor’s determination to have a woman on the team. Referring to her experiences working with Turkish diplomats, Gottemoeller stated that she always remembered her Turkish colleagues with great pleasure and said: “They are excellent diplomats.” The event concluded with questions from students about career opportunities in diplomacy and international relations.