Strengthening Young Women’s Participation in Urban Life through Research and Solidarity

Understanding young women’s experiences, needs and expectations of urban life plays an important role in developing more inclusive and participatory social support programmes. Considering research findings alongside young women’s perspectives helps shape initiatives that strengthen their sense of belonging, build solidarity and involve them in decision-making.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ece Öztan, Social Impact and Inclusion Advisor at İstanbul Vakfı, will draw on the foundation’s work to explore young women’s experiences of living in Istanbul, their needs for participation and belonging, and how research in these areas translates into practical action.
Through İstanbul Vakfı’s “Büyüt Hayallerini” programme and “Sen Oku Biz Yanındayız” support model, she will discuss participatory approaches and solidarity mechanisms that support young women’s empowerment.

The webinar will examine research findings on young women’s urban experiences, how these findings inform programme design, and methods that support young people’s active involvement in decision-making. Drawing on the Büyüt Hayallerini experience, practical examples will illustrate the journey from providing support to building a community, the development of the Sen Oku Biz Yanındayız model, and an approach to volunteering centred on young women’s experiences.

We invite everyone interested in strengthening young women’s participation in urban life, translating research findings into initiatives that create social impact, and exploring participatory models of solidarity to join this webinar.

The event will take place online as part of the World Volunteer Day 2026.
It is open to everyone and completely free of charge, including a certificate of participation.

Event Date: December 4, 2026
Time: 10:00 Türkiye time (UTC+3)
Registration Link: https://ilatalks.com/webinar/177