On September 25th, the 2nd “IŞILDAYANLAR” (SHINING STARS) Conference will take place, inspiring with the stories of role model women and equality supporters.

Empowering Women for Social and Economic Development

The IŞILDAYANLAR Conference, which stands out as a transformation platform in the fight against gender inequality, will take place for the 2nd time on September 25, 2023, at Zorlu PSM, featuring inspiring stories of women who serve as role models, their experiences, and contributions from leading brands in this regard.

Organized by OGGUSTO, the IŞILDAYANLAR Conference brings speakers who embrace the mission of creating awareness, providing solutions, and inspiring in the field of gender equality to the stage. Last year’s conference showcased the achievements of shining women when they are empowered and determined. This year, it continues with a more extensive and questioning approach, aiming to contribute to the empowerment of more women and bring about a fundamental transformation in society.

This conference, critical for sustainable social and economic development, will share new stories and roadmaps in this field and can be watched online for free at https://www.isildayanlar.com/.

Özlem Güsar, the founder of OGGUSTO, stated about the conference, “Empowering women and making them shine is a responsibility that falls on all of us. It is a proven fact that women are lagging behind socially and economically or being ignored. To reverse this situation, we are organizing the IŞILDAYANLAR Conference to create awareness and consciousness about gender equality. Instead of repeating problems, we aim to showcase solutions, change minds and behaviors, inspire and instill confidence in women, and encourage brands to support this cause. This year, we will also share a research conducted specifically on this topic by Zenna.”

She added, “In the first conference held in May 2022, we created a wave of transformation with nearly 50 speakers, over 600 invited guests, and more than 10,000 live stream viewers. This year, we are aiming even higher.”

Shining Stars for Equality on Stage

At the IŞILDAYANLAR Conference stage, successful figures like actress Demet Akbağ, Turkey’s first female swimmer to cross the Bosphorus, Aysu Türkoğlu, artist Karsu, food writer Refika Birgül, national athletes Meryem Boz, Ayşe Begüm Onbaşı, and Sümeyye Boyacı will share inspiring, hopeful, and confidence-filled stories and experiences. Additionally, actor and Co-Founder of the “Kadınların Elinden” (From the Hands of Women) Platform, Mert Fırat, and the President of the “Kadınların Elinden” Platform, Alp Dumrul, will highlight the value created by walking alongside shining women.

The event, led by Yekta Kopan and Burcu Hakyemez as Masters of Ceremony, will feature insights from prominent figures in the business world such as Hakan Ateş, Board Member and General Manager of Denizbank; Yasemin Bedir, Eastern Europe Regional President of Mastercard; and Ufuk Batur, General Manager of L’Oréal Turkey Luxury Division.

The Conference is Supported by Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration

The IŞILDAYANLAR Conference, organized under the leadership of OGGUSTO, takes place in strategic partnership with civil society organizations that embrace women’s sustainable development as their mission. The Turkish Women Entrepreneurs Association (KAGİDER), Women in Technology Association (Wtech), Antakya Again Platform, and the Women Returning to Work Platform (Yeniden Biz Vakfı) contribute value to the conference.

The event is supported by brands that champion gender equality and create value, with Jules Verne, ÜNİTE Edelman, 360+ Media Interactive, and Zenna as solution partners. She’s Mercedes Platform, Mastercard, Denizbank, Lancome, Yıldız Entegre, Urban Care, Shell, WE’re the Walkers, Kale Grubu, Superfresh, Vestel, Lipozone, and ArkSigner are contributing to the conference. Bahçıvan, Ara Collection, Harem Chocolate, Jumbo, and LifeClub are among the supporters.

IŞILDAYANLAR is Creating Social Impact while Preserving the Environment

To enhance the impact of the IŞILDAYANLAR Conference, Wtech will provide Robotic Process Automation Training to 20 young women after the conference. The income from transforming a valuable artwork designed by artist Mehmet Sinan Kuran into scarves and selling them will be donated to the Yeniden Biz Vakfı. To make the IŞILDAYANLAR Conference carbon-neutral this year, a designated amount will be donated to TEMA’s 100th Year Republic Forest.

Last year, 20 young women received Robotic Process Automation Training from Wtech. Artist Ali Atmaca’s Red Painting artwork was produced as silk scarves by Vakko, and the income was donated to the IŞILDAYANLAR Fund created in collaboration with KAGİDER. Additionally, 60 trees were planted and 40 dolphins were adopted to offset the emissions generated by the conference’s organization last year.