Teknosa’s Women for Technology project, carried out in partnership with Habitat Association since 2007 and having reached more than 44,000 women to date, held its Inspiring Encounters Panel in Kocaeli. The event brought together Teknosa CEO M. Öget Kantarcı, Habitat Association Executive Board Chairman Bora Caldu, and inspiring women from various fields to discuss women’s experiences in the workplace and the new opportunities offered by technology.
The Women for Technology project, run by Teknosa, a subsidiary of Sabancı Holding, in collaboration with Habitat Association, brought women together at the Inspiring Encounters Panel held at the Kocaeli Chamber of Industry. The event began with opening speeches by Habitat Association Executive Board Chairman Bora Caldu and Teknosa CEO M. Öget Kantarcı.
The program’s “Inspiring Encounter” panel featured Teknosa CEO M. Öget Kantarcı and Nurcan Babalık, Founder of Nacsoft Software and Chair of the Kocaeli Women Entrepreneurs Executive Board (KGK). Kantarcı and Babalık shared their experiences and perspectives on the business world as it continues to evolve alongside technological developments.
The “Inspiring Women” session featured Prof. Dr. Emel Taban, a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Kocaeli University, and Cansu Elif İcik, General Manager of Hemac Makina. Moderated by Elif Yıldırım Başer, Digital Transformation Program Director at Habitat Association, the session provided an opportunity to share insights into their career journeys and work across different fields.
Reaching More Than 44,000 Women as the Project Approaches Its 20th Anniversary
Providing training to help women develop their digital skills, the Women for Technology project has reached more than 44,000 women since 2007. In the first eight months of 2026 alone, 3,043 women participated in the program.
With a target of reaching 4,000 participants by the end of the year, the program continues to develop its training in line with technological advancements and changing needs, supporting women in establishing a stronger presence in the digital world and participating more actively in economic life.
“We Support Women in Developing Their Digital Skills”
Highlighting the growing importance of digital skills in professional life, Teknosa CEO M. Öget Kantarcı said:
“New technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are creating demand for new skills across many areas, from professional life to entrepreneurship. At Teknosa, we believe it is important for women to keep up with these changes and acquire the knowledge and skills they need. This is the approach that has guided our Women for Technology project since 2007.
“Having reached more than 44,000 women is extremely meaningful to us. As we approach the project’s 20th anniversary, one of our key achievements has been its evolution to address changing needs over the years and its transformation into a program that strengthens women’s relationship with technology.
“In the coming period, we will continue updating our training content to reflect current needs, helping women create new opportunities for themselves in the digital world and benefit more fully from the opportunities technology offers.”
Bora Caldu, Executive Board Chairman of Habitat Association, highlighted the transformation the project has brought to women’s lives, saying:
“Through the Women for Technology project, which we have been running for 19 years in partnership with Teknosa, we have reached tens of thousands of women. However, we have never viewed this figure as just a number. Among these women are those who have established their own businesses, begun using technology more effectively in their daily lives, learned to run their businesses through social media, and found the confidence to say, ‘I have a place here, too.’
“This transformation is precisely what lies behind the project’s success. In the age we live in, technology is not merely a tool; it is also a language, an opportunity, and a source of power when used effectively. Transformation begins when we come together, share our knowledge, and create things collectively.”
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