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Panel on "Building a Society of Trust" Held at Our University for International Women's Day on March 8

Organized in collaboration with our university’s Women and Family Studies Application and Research Center, the Ministry of Family and Social Services Trabzon Provincial Directorate, the Women and Democracy Association (KADEM) Trabzon Branch, and Trabzon University, the panel on "Building a Society of Trust" took place at the Prof. Dr. Osman Turan Cultural and Congress Center under the auspices of our university. 

The event was attended by Trabzon Governor Aziz YILDIRIM and his wife Güllühan YILDIRIM, Trabzon Metropolitan Mayor Esq. Ahmet Metin GENÇ, our Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah ÇUVALCI, Trabzon University Rector Prof. Dr. Emin AŞIKKUTLU, KADEM Provincial Representative Elif YÜKÜNÇ, AK Party Trabzon Provincial Chairman Dr. Sezgin MUMCU and his wife Gülderen MUMCU, Trabzon Provincial Director of Family and Social Services Dr. Hüseyin MOLLAOĞLU, Trabzon Provincial Health Director Dr. Hakan USTA’s wife Hasibe USTA, Trabzon Associate Provincial Mufti Ayşe YILMAZ, and our Women and Family Studies Application and Research Center Director Asst. Prof. Dr. Öznur GEDİKLİ, along with many distinguished guests. 

Following the moment of silence and the national anthem, attendees watched two videos prepared by KADEM: one titled "March 8 International Women’s Day" and another themed "Freedom and Personal Security Are Everyone’s Rights." 

"Individuals and Society Are Interdependent Structures" 

After the video screenings, the panel continued with opening speeches. In her address, KADEM Provincial Representative Elif YÜKÜNÇ emphasized:  "The construction of a society of trust is directly related to individuals having strong self-awareness, high self-esteem, and being reliable. At the same time, a secure society undoubtedly plays a significant role in raising trustworthy individuals. In this sense, individuals and society are interdependent structures. Therefore, both individuals and social institutions share a common responsibility in shaping life and fostering trust. With this responsibility in mind, today, through the valuable presentations of our panelists, we aim to contribute to the 'Building of a Society of Trust' by addressing violence and its solutions from sociological, psychological, legal, and religious perspectives as a whole."

"Violence is Not Just an Individual Issue, But a Social Problem" 

In her speech, Asst. Prof. Dr. Öznur GEDİKLİ, Director of the Women and Family Studies Application and Research Center, emphasized the significance of raising awareness about women's roles and rights in society, developing solutions to prevent violence, and building a more just society. She stated:  "Violence is not just an individual issue but a social problem. Addressing it from psychological, legal, and religious perspectives is crucial to identifying its root causes and developing lasting solutions. The empowerment of women, the protection of family structures, and the upbringing of healthy generations can only be achieved through strong societal awareness. In this process, not only individuals but also institutions and all stakeholders bear great responsibility. As the Women and Family Studies Application and Research Center at KTU, we will continue our efforts to empower women, support family structures, and ensure social harmony." 

"Necessary Steps Must Be Taken to Preserve the Traditional Family Structure" 

Speaking at the panel held in honor of International Women’s Day, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Hamdullah ÇUVALCI, shared his thoughts on the topic, stating:  "The family, as the fundamental building block of society, plays a crucial role in ensuring individuals' healthy development and maintaining social order. However, the increasing incidents of violence against women in recent years pose one of the biggest threats to the family institution. Preventing violence against women is not just an individual matter but also a necessity for ensuring societal peace and family preservation. In this context, legal regulations, raising public awareness, and taking the necessary steps to preserve the traditional family structure are essential." 

Following the opening speeches, attendees watched a special video prepared by our university's students at the Department of Nursing, reflecting perceptions, thoughts, and messages about women. Titled "Women Through the Eyes of Nursing Students," the video, which highlighted the role of women in society from the perspective of young people, received great appreciation. 

The panel, held as part of International Women’s Day, featured expert speakers who provided in-depth discussions on combating violence against women. Key topics covered included: 

- "The Psychological and Social Dimensions of Violence" – Asst. Prof. Dr. Güleycan AKGÖZ AKTAŞ (KTU Women and Family Studies Application and Research Center Board Member) 

- "Protecting the Family and Empowering Women" – Ayten AKYILDIZ (Director of Women's Services, Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services)  

- "The Legal Aspects of Combating Violence" – Asst. Prof. Dr. Betül KALYONCU (Trabzon University Faculty of Law) 

- "The Issue of Violence from the Perspective of the Qur'an and Sunnah" – Asst. Prof. Dr. Züleyha BİRİNCİ (Trabzon University Faculty of Theology) 

The panel attracted significant interest as it aimed to shed light on the anatomy of violence, exploring its sociological, psychological, legal, and religious aspects in an integrated manner. Discussions focused on the causes and types of violence and offered proposed solutions for its prevention.  The event concluded with the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to the panelists by Güllühan YILDIRIM, Elif YÜKÜNÇ, Gülderen MUMCU, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Öznur GEDİKLİ, followed by a commemorative photo session.


10 March 2025