Our faculty hosted a seminar titled “Women’s Cooperatives and the Creation of Economic Value: The Journey of the Umay Women’s Cooperative.”
The event was held at the Prof. Dr. Sabri Bektöre Conference Hall with the participation of Asst. Prof. Dr. Hale Fulya Kaya, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences (FEAS), academic and administrative staff, representatives of the Provincial Directorate of Trade, cooperative members, and students.
In her opening remarks, Vice Dean Asst.. Prof. Dr. Hale Fulya Kaya emphasized the importance of women’s labor and production. She highlighted the value of women’s visibility across various fields and stated:
“I believe that women add color and a new perspective to every task they undertake. They not only enhance the quality of work but also carry it forward.”
“A cooperative producing 2.5 tons of chocolate daily is encouraging”
Moderator Assoc. Prof. Murad Tiryakioğlu from the Department of Economics noted that not only the speakers but also cooperative members and producer women attended the event. Expressing satisfaction with the presence of representatives from the Directorate of Trade, he stated:
“They are the ones managing the legal and administrative dimensions of the cooperative process—the people working behind the scenes. Their efforts are truly significant.”
Introducing the guests, Tiryakioğlu continued:
“Today we are joined by Ms. Necmiye and Ms. Nesrin. We learned that Afyonkarahisar has become increasingly associated with its felt-making tradition. In addition, the existence of a cooperative in Evciler that produces 2.5 tons of chocolate daily is quite pleasing—successful examples are growing.”
“We continue our work in a historical mansion”
Necmiye Serteser, President of the Umay Women’s Initiative Production and Operation Cooperative and a retired literature teacher, shared the cooperative’s establishment journey. She explained that after 33 years of teaching Turkish Language and Literature, she attended tile-making and then felt-making courses at the Public Training Center. With the friends she met there, she established the “Afyonkarahisar Felt and Handicrafts Development and Preservation Association” in 2020.
Although the association’s activities slowed during the pandemic, the group decided to continue rather than dissolve. Serteser added:
“Since March 2022, we have been conducting our workshop activities in the historical mansion we rent in Taci Ahmet District.”
“Our aim is to support women producers”
Serteser emphasized their motivation to help women generate income from their craftsmanship. She noted that the cooperative became officially registered on June 10, 2024, and has been operating for approximately one and a half years.
In addition to felt making, the cooperative carries out activities in ebru art, prayer bead making, hand weaving, tablet weaving, and sewing.
She concluded:
“What matters most to us is creating opportunities for women and including them in production. We are proud to produce together.”
“Everyone needs a space to breathe”
Cooperative member Nesrin Erdoğan highlighted the importance of creativity and personal development. She emphasized that individuals should have a personal space or craft that supports their well-being, stating:
“The work done by women at home is never simple. Writing poetry, knitting, engaging in art—these are activities that keep people connected to life. Everyone needs a space where they can breathe and be themselves.”
Speaking about her early retirement, Erdoğan acknowledged the concerns young people feel about the future and encouraged them:
“Do not be afraid—life flows and finds its way. If you do your best today, beautiful opportunities will open for you.”
“The value of art is immense”
Erdoğan encouraged students to develop a wide range of skills:
“Every skill and piece of knowledge you acquire will return to you one day. Always have a ‘golden bracelet’—a craft or ability that sets you apart.”
She emphasized that handicrafts and artistic skills should not be underestimated, noting that even knitting can sometimes relieve depression.
She added:
“Today, knitting videos have millions of views on social media. Art has great value. We see university graduates working in entry-level positions; having distinctive skills is essential. Paint, work with leather, learn ebru—our culture is rich with valuable arts; keep them alive.”
The session concluded with a question-and-answer segment.
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