Empowering Young Girls Through Policy and Design in Beşiktaş

A collaborative workshop focuses on equality, safety, and community responsibility.

Beşiktaş Municipality, in partnership with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), hosted the “Policy and Design Workshop for Girls” at the historic Kethüda Hammam in Ortaköy. The event brought together local officials, experts, and civil society representatives to discuss and develop new policy models to ensure equal opportunities for girls, build safe environments, and foster greater participation in public life.

The program featured expert-led presentations and thematic roundtable discussions where participants shared ideas and recommendations. The day concluded with the development of a roadmap outlining concrete steps for empowering girls and ensuring their rights are integrated into local governance practices.

Deputy Mayor of Beşiktaş Rasim Şişman addressed the event, emphasizing that being a girl in many parts of the country still too often means being denied the right to a full and free childhood. “There are still thousands of girls who are forced to grow up too soon, take on adult responsibilities, and leave their dreams behind. We cannot turn a blind eye to this reality. Every step we take for girls reminds me of Prof. Dr. Türkan Saylan—a scientist, a champion of education, and a proud resident of Beşiktaş. Walking in her footsteps is both an honor and a responsibility. For us, this workshop is not just a policy meeting; it’s a commitment to social transformation,” he said.

The Deputy Mayor also noted that municipalities play a key role in recognizing the everyday challenges girls face—in neighborhoods, schools, and social spaces.  “We are working tirelessly to create inclusive service models that prioritize the empowerment of girls and equal access to education, healthcare, technology, and decision-making processes,” he said. “The problems girls face today highlight where our policies fall short. But we also know: each girl’s dreams and education have the power to transform society.”

From a gender equality perspective, The Deputy Mayor stressed the need to move beyond protection and toward empowerment:  “Our goal is not only to protect girls, but to strengthen their voices, support their autonomy, and ensure they have equal access to all opportunities. Through collective wisdom, we must develop innovative and applicable models where they feel safe, valued, and heard.”

Enif Yavuz Dipşar, Head of the IMM Department of Social Services, echoed this sentiment:

“Being here for this workshop is truly meaningful. Developing girl-focused policies together and creating space to reflect and collaborate is something we all benefit from. According to UNICEF, around 120 million girls worldwide lack access to education. This is not just a violation of individual rights—it’s a stark indicator of global inequality.” She added that nearly a quarter of Turkish children aged 15–17 are currently out of school, with girls being disproportionately affected due to early marriage, poverty, and social barriers. “We witness this reality not just in statistics but in the streets of our cities, in digital spaces, and in our daily lives. This workshop, made possible through Beşiktaş Municipality’s invaluable partnership, is a step forward. I believe that the outcomes from today will guide us toward new projects and stronger social policies.”

The workshop is part of a broader municipal effort to promote gender-responsive urban planning and ensure that all children—especially girls—can live, learn, and grow in safe, inclusive, and empowering environments.