Summit

KAGIDER succesfully organised their 1st International Women Entrepreneurship and Leadership Summit in Istanbul on the 4th of June-5th of June. Distinguished speakers from all over the world like Linda Alepin (Founder Director, Global Women Leadership Network, USA), Stefanie Babst (NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communication Coordination), Dawn E. Ely (Founder and President of Palladium Chief Legal Officers), Candice Morgan (Senior Associate of Advisory Services in Catalyst Europe AG), Charlotte M Ponticelli (Secretary for International Labor Affairs at the U.S. Department of Labor). Sarosh Sattar (Gender Coordinator for the Europe and Central Asia Region and Senior Economist at the World Bank), Melanne Verveer (Ambassador-at-Large for Women’s Global Issues in the Office of the Secretary in the U.S) were present in the conference were present to highlight the importance of the role of women in the global arena.
Waheeda and I were indeed very fortunate to have been able to participate in such an important event. Besides, we were the youngest delegates present. We read and study about the important institutions like the EU and UN nevertheless, it was a very good experience for us to have got immense knowledge and awareness of the existing current global scenario through the present decision-makers. Existing challenges were pointed out during the summit calling out for a concrete solution. It was a good way to engage entrepreneurs of Turkey considering Turkey is pushing for accession into EU. Entrepreneurs received advises from these distinguised speakers present to address those challenges being faced by them. Moreover, this summit led to networking opportunities for those aspiring women. It was surprising to find how there are many organisations that are willing to help out organisations like KAGIDER by giving them funding opportunities.
The summit has definitely made our internship worthwhile in addition to the internship at KAGIDER. Working for an organisation like KAGIDER who has an international presence is a great source of knowledge and inspiration for Waheeda and I.