Akra Hotels, one of Turkiye’s leading hotel groups, has been awarded with the "Equal Opportunity Model" (FEM) certification by KAGIDER for its human resources practices that support female employment and provide equal opportunities for women in the workplace.

KAGIDER’s Equal Opportunity Model (FEM) certification program, was developed in collaboration with the World Bank and in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers and EY. It continues to reshape the business world by promoting gender equality in the workforce. Akra Hotels has now joined the list of companies that have earned the FEM certification by KAGIDER.

Akra Hotels holds the title of "Great Place To Work® Turkey's Best Employer" and is a signatory of the United Nations Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs). It stands out with its practices that promote equal opportunities in recruitment, training, career support, talent management, and monitoring feedback in various areas.

Through its collaboration with KAGIDER, Akra Hotels has secured the FEM certification, affirming its commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment in national and international public opinion through its structure, actions, and employment practices.

The certification ceremony took place at the KAGIDER Istanbul Office and was attended by Ali Ramiz Barut and Sinan Barut, members of the BHM Board of Directors; Ibrahim Hakan Yılmaz, Group Human Resources Director; Ozgür Balta, Group Brand and Business Development Director; Oksan Esmen, Group Sales Director; Muzeyyen Ozsozgun, Group Revenue Manager; Aslıhan Atıl, General Manager of Akra Fethiye and Akra Fethiye The Residence; Ebru Ertek Sezer, Assistant Group Marketing Manager; Esra Bezircioglu, President of KAGİDER; Nesecan Cekici, Board Member of KAGIDER; Özlem Derici Duyarlar, Board Member of KAGIDER; Yesim Sevig, General Secretary of KAGIDER; and Aylin Dinler, Corporate Relations Manager.

Akra Hotels is first in the tourism sector to receive the FEM certification and is the 55th company in Turkiye.

Esra Bezircioglu, the President of KAGIDER, congratulated Akra Hotels during her speech at the certification ceremony, thanking them for their practices that promote equal opportunities for women in the workplace. She stated: "Every company that receives the FEM certification nurtures our hope for a more equal world. Our dream is a world where women and men are equally represented in all aspects of life, where they have equal opportunities. This requires effort not only from us but also from companies. As companies increase their human resources practices that support female employment and provide equal opportunities for women in the workplace, our hope for a more equal world grows stronger. We thank Akra Hotels for setting an example by earning the FEM certification, and we hope that more companies will become eligible for this certification in the future."

Nesecan Cekici, KAGIDER Board Member, emphasized that the FEM certification program is a model for achieving gender equality in the business world and encouraged all companies to apply for the certification. She stated "Companies that join us on this journey contribute to women's employment and support women's empowerment. We invite all companies to receive the FEM certification."

Özlem Derici Duyarlar, another Board Member of KAGIDER, noted that there has been an increase in applications for FEM certification by companies in recent times, expressing their satisfaction with the growing interest. Duyarlar pointed out that the increase in applications for the FEM certification is a clear indicator of companies’ commitment to advancing female employment.

Ali Ramiz Barut, a member of the BHM Board of Directors, highlighted Akra Hotels' commitment to equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal benefits for both male and female employees. He emphasized that providing a working environment where women can work with peace and security, ensuring equal representation of women in management roles, and promoting personal and professional development are essential principles for the company.

Sinan Barut, another member of the BHM Board of Directors, emphasized the importance on gender equality and their approach that values equal participation of male and female employees in the workforce. He stated that Akra Hotels is committed to implement policies based on equal opportunity, merit, trust, and justice, and they are working to establish a corporate culture that supports these principles. He also expressed their hope that their efforts in this regard would inspire the sector and set a good example.

Ibrahim Hakan Yılmaz, Group Human Resources Director, emphasized that they are aware that providing equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal benefits to male and female employees will enable the company to unleash its full potential. He shared that Akra Hotels' 2023-2025 Human Resources Strategic Plan and Goals emphasize sustainability, corporate responsibility, and women's empowerment. Their efforts include increasing female employment, diversifying and expanding career programs, strengthening women's roles in leadership positions, and promoting personal and professional development, as well as diversity, equality, and inclusivity.

Akra Hotels, with over 50 years of experience and a workforce of 2,600 employees, continues to serve in the tourism sector with a bed capacity of 4,331. Through its innovative human resources practices and gastronomic experiences, Akra Hotels aims to be "beyond competition" in the field of international hospitality.

Akra Hotels entered the city hotel industry for the first time with Akra and Akra V in 2014 after its tourism investments in Kemer and Sorgun. In 2015, it continued with Akra Fethiye and in 2019 with Akra Fethiye The Residence, providing services in the tourism sector with a total of 6 establishments. In addition to tourism, Akra Hotels owns a state-of-the-art textile cleaning and laundry facility in the Antalya Organized Industrial Zone, with a daily textile cleaning capacity of 80 tons and over 300 employees, making it the most well-equipped and cleanest textile cleaning and laundry facility in the region.