Selin Ozgursoy is a 16-year-old young woman from Ankara, Turkey. She is a STEM promoter, innovator and change maker. Selin is UNICEF Turkey’s Youth Representative and the youngest member of UNICEF’s Bussines Advisory Board, as well as the focal point within the UNICEF x Generation Unlimited Young Leaders Council. She has an unbound determination to serve the youth and the next generations. As the Founder & Executive Director of Stematics, a youth-led “Women in STEM” nonprofit which currently operates in the Middle East and pioneers projects to engage more girls in the field, Selin leads a team of 3,000 young individuals including volunteers and directors, all carrying the high mission to ensure equity among all. Selin is an advocate for gender equality, equal opportunities and environmental sustainability. Selin’s impact goes beyond her age, culture and community; her outreach is remarkable with over 40,000 people globally in her projects.
Gender Cardinals
…before turning into pigeons
As she enters the room, the harmonious scent of meat and rice engulfs her, accompanied by nonchalantly breezing piano vocals and a naïve cry following thereafter. Outside, she hears the tranquil chirps of cardinals, almost concealing the touching piano vocals. However, on the inside, she feels a lump in her throat, almost as if the pigeons are attacking. It portrays a desperate woman on the canvas where colors have long faded away, at least in our century, prominently. Generations of women in the tapestry of history have woven threads of strength and resilience amidst the adversities they faced, ranging from gender pay gap to femicide, and have navigated through shadows cast by a relentless reality that plagues the lives of countless women today- gender inequality.
In a world brimming with diversity and potential, the pursuit of gender equality stands as a testament to the humane ability of uplifting and empowering one another. As we embark on this transformative path, let us unite our hearts, minds and voices, and inspire the winds of change to blow across the globe. Gender equality initiates by shattering the chains of stereotypes that have impeded progress for generations. We must recognize that gender roles do not define one’s capabilities.
Firstly, gender equality in the workplace is an instrumental pillar of progress. It involves dismantling systemic biases and creating inclusive work environments. Equal pay, representation in leadership roles, and policies that support work-life balance are merely some of the simple steps we can and must take to ensure that every individual is given an equal opportunity to flourish professionally. Education holds the key to unlocking opportunities for both women and men. By investing in quality education for all, we empower future leaders to build a world grounded in compassion and empathy, which is the greatest revenue.
In the combat for gender equality, sisterhood is a formidable force. Empowering each other is not solely a gesture of solidarity; it is the best catalyst for change. Yet, to achieve gender equality fully, we should recognize that this is not a battle fought solely by women. Men play a crucial role as allies in this remarkable journey. Let us encourage open dialogue, confront harmful norms, and promote a common responsibility to build a society where all genders can thrive. As we bridge the education gender gap, we pave the way for ideas and solutions to emerge