SPK President Gönül: "When the level of financial literacy is increased, the group that will contribute the most to social progress will undoubtedly be our women." - October 24, 2024

A "Cooperation Protocol on Promoting Financial Literacy" was signed between the Capital Markets Board of Turkey (CMB) and the Turkey Women Entrepreneurs Association (KAGİDER) at the CMB headquarters in Ankara.

At the ceremony, which was attended by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Petition Committee and AK Party Adana MP Sunay Karamık, CMB President Gönül and KAGİDER President Esra Bezircioğlu signed the protocol.

In her speech, Gönül expressed her happiness about launching a new project to increase the level of financial literacy.

Gönül pointed out that financial literacy has become even more critical with the rapid development of capital markets and the increasing number of investors. "Today, the total number of investors in the capital markets has approached 11 million. Of these, approximately 34%, or 3.7 million, are women entrepreneurs and investors. The number of investors in the stock market has exceeded 7 million, with 35%, or 2.5 million, being women investors," she said.

Emphasizing that increasing financial literacy is crucial for all sectors of society, Gönül stated:

"When the level of financial literacy is increased, the group that will contribute the most to societal progress will undoubtedly be our women. Our women contribute to the country’s economy in many sectors such as production, education, services, and healthcare. In addition, they play many important roles, from raising future generations to managing family budgets."

Gönül mentioned that the first protocol for promoting financial literacy was signed with the Ministry of Family and Social Services, targeting housewives and families, and today the target group is entrepreneurial women.

She emphasized that to strengthen women’s position in economic and social life, increasing financial knowledge and awareness is essential. "With this protocol, we aim to raise the financial literacy level of entrepreneurial women who have or want to start their own business. We will carefully plan and implement every step of this project. Our primary goal is to provide educational and development opportunities to women entrepreneurs, improve their quality of life, and help them lead positive changes in society," Gönül added.

"Women Entrepreneurs' Share Is Around 12%"

KAGİDER President Bezircioğlu also stated that with this protocol, they aim to increase the financial literacy of women and women entrepreneurs in Turkey.

She emphasized that the main mission of the association is to support women entrepreneurship and ensure that women are empowered socially and economically to participate in decision-making mechanisms. Bezircioğlu pointed out that only 35.8% of the working-age female population in Turkey is part of the workforce.

She mentioned that the share of women entrepreneurs is close to 12%, adding, "If we include women working on their own account, not just employers, this rate rises to 17.5%. Half of the women in Turkey do not have a bank account. It is clear to all of us that financial inclusion and access to finance are among the main issues that female entrepreneurs need to overcome."

Bezircioğlu stressed that closing the gender gap in financial literacy is essential for women's equality, economic empowerment, and inclusive economic growth. She continued:

"Financially literate women can effectively assess and manage financial risks, ensuring the sustainability of their businesses and investments. With our cooperation with the CMB, we will launch a nationwide campaign to increase financial literacy among women. We believe that with the financial awareness we create, women will take stronger and more conscious steps in economic life."