Halide İncekara: “You are our present”

Within the scope of 5 December, the Day Women in Türkiye Gained the Right to Vote and Be Elected, an event titled “Leaders of the Future” was organized in cooperation with the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education and Üsküdar University. Emphasizing the vital role of women’s participation in social life, Üsküdar University Advisor to the Rector Halide İncekara stated, “Youth and children are our present.” She underlined that a generation that does not feel safe today cannot build a future tomorrow.

The event, held at İbn Sina Auditorium at Üsküdar University NP Health Campus, was attended by senior officials from the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education and many high school students affiliated with the Istanbul Student Council.

Ayşe Nur Çalıcı: “We held very successful programs with Üsküdar last year as well”

Ayşe Nur Çalıcı, Branch Manager at the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education, stated that the Istanbul Student Councils Project has been progressing with strong momentum. She said, “Under the leadership of İncekara, we organized very successful programs with Üsküdar University last year as well. This year, we wanted our valuable student council members to benefit from her experience. Witnessing the perspectives that she opens for your lives is truly an honor for us.”

Halide İncekara: “Women’s participation in life is not a favor granted by anyone”

Speaking on the role of women in society, Halide İncekara used a striking metaphor to emphasize gender equality. She explained that removing women from public life would be like removing half of the human body, leaving society incomplete and unable to function properly. She stated that women’s participation in politics, social life, and professional life is not a favor or privilege, but a necessity for collective growth and strength.

“You are our present”

Addressing the students, İncekara challenged the common phrase “Youth are our future,” saying that young people are not only the future but also the present. She emphasized that ignoring young people’s needs, happiness, and sense of security today inevitably undermines tomorrow. “What is not valued, protected, or supported today cannot become a future,” she said. “You are our present.”

“My mother had a role model”

Sharing a personal story, İncekara explained that she was named after Halide Edip Adıvar, whom her mother admired as a strong female role model despite limited access to media at the time. She highlighted that today’s youth are fortunate to have countless role models in academia, media, and professional life, encouraging students to draw inspiration from these examples.

“I speak to give you hope and to be hope”

İncekara explained that she shares her life story to inspire confidence and courage. Coming from a modest background with no special privileges, she emphasized that perseverance, responsibility, and early engagement in civic life shaped her journey. She encouraged students to become involved in solving problems they see around them and to believe in their ability to make a difference.

“Learn to live together with your child”

Addressing women’s participation in professional and political life, İncekara stressed the importance of strong family support systems. She advised women not to see children as obstacles but to learn to grow and live together with them. She highlighted the importance of shared responsibility within the family and the value of supportive partners.

Mert Kapıcıoğlu: “Most importantly, we are shaping our own future”

Student Council President Mert Kapıcıoğlu spoke about the Leaders of the Future Project, emphasizing the role of student councils as a practical school of democracy. He stated that young people actively participate in decision-making, propose solutions, and shape their own futures. He underlined that the future can only be built together by women and men, shoulder to shoulder, and commemorated Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his companions with gratitude for granting women the right to vote and be elected in 1934.

The event continued with a question and answer session with high school students .

The event was concluded with gift presentations and a group photo session.