Gedik Education Foundation (GEV), on the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8, hosted the Transformative Women Awards Ceremony to highlight the value women bring to society and their inspiring success stories.
The Transformative Women Awards Ceremony organized by the Gedik Education Foundation was held on March 6, 2026, at The St. Regis Istanbul. Women who stand out with their production, work, and contributions to society in different fields were honored on this special night.
The Gedik Education Foundation, which has been contributing to social development for many years with projects carried out in the fields of culture, art, and education, brought the inspiring stories of women who stand out with their courage, productivity, and the value they add to society to the stage.
The opening of the night took place with the speech of Hülya Gedik, Chairman of the Board of Gedik Holding and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Gedik Education Foundation and Istanbul Gedik University. The program was moderated by journalist, presenter and also a GEV volunteer Hande Demirel.
Names Who Received the Transformative Women Award
During the ceremony, “Transformative Women” awards with a sunflower motif were presented to individuals who add value to society with their innovative work and lead change in their respective sectors.
Names who received the Transformative Women Award:
- Leyla Alaton – Member of the Board of Alarko Holding
- Nilüfer Bulut – Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Istanbul Galata University, President of the Turkish Women Entrepreneurs Association
- Dr. Esra Çavuşoğlu – Health Advocate, Entrepreneur, Biohacker
- Dr. Regine Grienberger – Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Istanbul
- Meliha Okur – Economist, Journalist, Author
- Demet Sabancı – Chairman of the Board of Onkim Stem Cell Technologies, Businesswoman, Entrepreneur
These individuals, who have contributed to social transformation with their work in different fields, inspired the participants with their success stories.
Meaningful Awards Shaped by Women’s Labor
The awards presented during the night received great appreciation with the story behind them. The awards were designed in the form of a “sunflower”, shaped by women welders who were trained within the Gedik Education Foundation.
Symbolizing turning towards light, hope, and continuous development, this special design concretely brought the transformative power of women’s labor to the stage.
Inspiring Stories: “The Book of Inspiration”
The Book of Inspiration, prepared by the Gedik Education Foundation under the editorship of Hande Demirel, was one of the remarkable works of the evening.
This special work, consisting of interviews conducted with the women who received awards, brought together their life journeys, experiences, and messages that would inspire young girls, presenting them in book form.
The Book of Inspiration was presented as a gift to the guests attending the night, contributing to the wider dissemination of inspiring stories.
Hülya Gedik: “The invisible efforts of women should be appreciated more”
In her opening speech, Hülya Gedik, Chairman of the Board of the Gedik Education Foundation, drew attention to the transformative power of women in society:
“Today we are here together to remember and celebrate the strength of women, their efforts, and the value they create in every area of life. I am very pleased to be part of such a meaningful organization.
When we look at today’s conditions, being a woman brings many challenges. Especially the sector I am in is a male-dominated sector. Unfortunately, we could not increase the ratio of women in the sector from 25 percent to 50 percent. However,
if equality in society is 50 percent, I believe it should also be the same in working life.
As women, we often take on great responsibilities both in our professional and private lives. We work, produce, struggle, and at the same time carry many burdens of life. Therefore, the effort, labor, and patience shown by women need to be seen and appreciated more. Because strong women transform not only their own lives but also the society they belong to.
As women, we must continue to grow stronger regardless of the conditions. Sometimes we may struggle, sometimes we may face obstacles, but as long as we support each other and do not lose our belief, we can take much stronger steps.
International Women’s Day on March 8 and the Transformative Women Awards Ceremony organized by the Gedik Education Foundation brought us together here. On this occasion, I would like to thank once again all the women who work, produce, and add value to society.
Today we say Women’s Day, but my wish is that one day we will truly reach a world where equality is achieved and women reach the place they deserve in every field.”
“The Transformative Women Awards Ceremony” has taken its place in memories not only as an award night but also as a meaningful gathering that makes women’s labor, solidarity, and powerful stories that transform society visible.
The Gedik Education Foundation continues to inspire with its projects that support women’s production power and their role in social transformation.