Women lead digital and green transformation in Türkiye’s manufacturing industry
Women are successfully contributing to Türkiye’s vibrant manufacturing industries as they undergo digital and green transformations.
Women make up only 27% of the workforce in manufacturing-related fields in Türkiye. “Manufacturing has not traditionally been a women-friendly environment, not only in Türkiye but globally. Our aim is to change this mindset and create a more inclusive industry,” says Emin Çetin Haşar, Manager of the “Developing Women Empowerment Models in Manufacturing Industry Project”.
It is implemented by the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİSK) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye and funded by an €8.5 million investment from the European Union (EU).
Its aim is to showcase pilot transformation cases and break stereotypes, promoting gender inclusivity in Türkiye’s manufacturing industry.
Emin Çetin Haşar, Project Manager
A key aspect of the initiative is the partnership with Türkiye’s MEXT Technology Centre, where participants receive hands-on training in automation and digital solutions. The project also works with 100 manufacturing companies to assess their digital maturity and guide them through transformation roadmaps. Of these, 25 undergo sustainability analysis. In addition, 200 women workers receive automation training, while 200 STEM-educated women are prepared for leadership roles as ‘change agents’.
The initiative goes beyond training to actively facilitate employment by matching these participants with companies and subsidising their annual salaries.
Esma Diler, Change Agent
For the participants, the project means more than technical training; it offers a comprehensive training model that combines technical, professional and social development. Esma Diler, a 26-year-old computer engineer, shares her experience: “I discovered the project online and was intrigued by its mission. After a rigorous selection, I received extensive training and eventually secured a position in an automotive parts manufacturing company.”
Ayşe Nur Yıldırım, Change Agent
Ayşe Nur Yıldırım, a mechanical engineer, says: “The employment opportunity after training and the project’s focus on women’s empowerment convinced me to apply. It was an incredible opportunity. We received six months of practical and theoretical training.” Ayşe now works in one of the project beneficiary’s factories, helping it to adopt smart manufacturing.
Mısra Toprak, Change Agent
Mısra Toprak, an industrial engineer, says: “In manufacturing, being a female engineer felt like a challenge at first. Now, I am fully adapted and enjoy my work. As ‘change agents’, we not only increase the representation of women but also contribute to the competitiveness of our companies through digitalisation and sustainability projects.”
Driving digital and green transformation
The project also helps companies create more inclusive workplaces and promotes sustainable industrial practices.
Companies are assessed using the globally recognised Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) methodology, which analyses over 70 criteria across 10 categories.
“We assess companies comprehensively, identifying priorities in the areas of digitalisation and sustainability,” explains Haşar. “Companies are optimising supply chains, integrating smart software, reducing waste, minimising water consumption and implementing energy-efficient processes. Ultimately, this transformation makes them more competitive and environmentally responsible.”
At the MEXT Technology Centre, participants receive hands-on training in automation and digital solutions
Haşar stresses the importance of the MEXT Technology Centre as an affiliated partner. He says: “By practising with real industry tools in MEXT, the participants gain practical skills that they can immediately apply in their workplace.”
Based in Istanbul, MEXT is said to be one of the world’s largest digital transformation and competence development centres. It was established in 2019 as part of the Turkish Employers’ Association of Metal Industries’ commitment to the digitally driven future of Türkiye. Its facilities include a model digital factory and training space.
The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, Ambassador Thomas Ossowski
The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, Ambassador Thomas Ossowski, says: “The project is one of the important models for inclusive industrial transformation efforts in Türkiye. By equipping women with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead in manufacturing, Türkiye is not only promoting gender equality but also ensuring a greener, more digital, innovative and competitive industrial landscape.”
