Turkey expands 'Women’s Hand in Industry' programmes in Eskişehir and Manisa

On 6 August, a protocol was signed in Eskişehir between Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce President Metin Güler and TOBB Eskişehir Women Entrepreneurs Board Chair Elif Gürkaynak. The agreement, part of the “Sanayide Kadın Eli” (Women’s Hand in Industry) initiative, aims to raise the proportion of women in industrial work, integrate them as qualified labour and coordinate employment efforts. Güler said, “Women’s participation in production is critical for both firms and the national economy.”

In Manisa, the Manisa Chamber of Commerce, TOBB Manisa Women Entrepreneurs Board and the Elginkan Foundation have launched a joint project to train 50 women in welding by 2026. The six‑week programme provides safety, technical welding, mentorship and personal‑development training, culminating in Ministry of Education‑approved certificates and vocational‑qualification credentials. The effort seeks to increase female visibility in industry, create skilled job opportunities and meet the sector’s demand for qualified workers.