İstanbul Vakfı launches support campaign for female university students

The İstanbul Vakfı has launched the ‘Sen Oku Biz Yanındayız’ (You Study, We Are With You) campaign to support young women moving to Istanbul for university education. Approved by the Istanbul Governorship, the initiative aims to provide housing, education, and book scholarships, as well as integration programs for students.

The donation process will officially begin on September 1 with the ‘Şarkılarla İstanbul'da Yanındayız’ concert at the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre, featuring 16 female artists.

Prior to the launch, the foundation conducted a study titled ‘Istanbul from the Voice of University Students’ involving 417 young women. The research highlighted multidimensional needs beyond tuition, including housing, security, and social participation. Findings showed that while 60% of participants wish to remain in Istanbul after graduation, only 36% believe they will find employment. Additionally, 90% of those surveyed (excluding housing costs) live on 20,000 TL or less per month.