In the event titled “Strong Steps: Women Who Left Their Mark in Every Aspect of Life” organized by Istanbul Medipol University’s Prosthetics-Orthotics Club and Office of Students with Disability, women’s day and ways to overcome obstacles were discussed. At the event, Ebru Genç, who has a prosthetic leg, gave an inspirational speech for the students.
The “Strong Steps: Women Who Left Their Mark in Every Aspect of Life” event organized by Istanbul Medipol University’s Prosthetics-Orthotics Club and Office of Students with Disability took place at South Campus B4 1004. In her opening speech, Dr. Lecturer Gizem Boztaş Elverişli from the School of Health Sciences emphasized that International Women’s Day is not just a calendar day, but a meaningful day where women’s struggle in social life, business world, and family is recognized. The event was moderated by Lecturer Merve Arısoy, while Ebru Genç, who has a prosthetic leg, was the guest with her inspirational speech. Genç explained the difficulties she faced after her accidents and the prosthetic process and conveyed her commitment to life and fighting spirit to the students.
GENÇ: WE SHOULD FILL THE CRACKS OF OUR LIVES WITH GOLD
Losing her leg due to an accident, Ebru Genç said that this made her a stronger person and shared: “I had a traffic accident while I was getting into university. I suffered a severe blow to my left leg and went through a long treatment process. I successfully overcame it, completed my university education, and focused on my career.” Genç added: “I was inspired by the Kintsugi philosophy I encountered during this process. When a porcelain vase gifted to the Japanese Empire from China broke, the Chinese repaired it by hiding the flaws. However, Japanese craftsmen combined the broken pieces with gold dust, making the vase even more valuable. Instead of hiding our broken pieces in life, we can process them with gold and continue to grow stronger. I have chosen to continue on my path by filling the cracks of my life with gold.”
“BEING A DISABLED WOMAN REQUIRES TWICE AS MUCH STRUGGLE”
Drawing attention to the lack of empathy and accessibility issues towards disabled individuals in society, Genç emphasized that being a woman and disabled in particular poses much greater challenges. Stating that she made a great effort to manage her own process independently, Genç said: “While being a woman requires a struggle in itself, being a disabled woman requires twice as much struggle. During the treatment process after the accident, I tried to do everything on my own without accepting anyone’s help. I went to the hospital in a wheelchair and completed my treatments on my own. Because I knew I had to manage this process independently. I was lucky, but not everyone is as lucky as I am. More inclusive steps should be taken for disabled individuals in society.” Stating that she has achieved many successes in her career in finance, Genç expressed that she would like to include more awareness projects aimed at making life easier for the disabled among her future goals. The event concluded with a musical performance by surprise guest Bade Dedemen.
Son Güncelleme Tarihi: 18/03/2025 - 16:15