Headline: A Pivotal Collaboration: SPK and KAGİDER Unite to Advance Financial Literacy

A "Cooperation Protocol for the Promotion of Financial Literacy" was signed between the Capital Markets Board (CMB) and the Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkey (KAGİDER) at the CMB's headquarters in Ankara. The protocol was signed by CMB Chairman Gönül and KAGİDER Chairwoman Esra Bezircioğlu, with the presence of Sunay Karamık, Chairman of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Petition Commission and AK Party Adana Deputy.

In her speech, Gönül expressed her satisfaction with launching a new project to enhance financial literacy. She emphasized the increasing importance of financial literacy in light of the rapid development and growing number of investors in capital markets, noting that 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 stock market investors has exceeded 7 million, with 35%, or 2.5 million, being women investors.

Gönül highlighted the significance of improving financial literacy levels for all segments of society, stating, "When financial literacy knowledge is increased, women will undoubtedly be the group that contributes the most to societal progress. Our women contribute to the national economy in sectors such as production, education, services, and healthcare. Additionally, they play critical roles from raising future generations to managing family budgets."

She mentioned that the first protocol aimed at promoting financial literacy was signed with the Ministry of Family and Social Services, targeting housewives and families. Today, however, the target audience is entrepreneurial women. Gönül stressed the need to enhance financial knowledge and awareness to develop women's entrepreneurship and strengthen their position in economic and social life, stating, "With this protocol, we aim to raise the financial literacy level of entrepreneurial women who have or wish to start their businesses. Every step of this project will be meticulously planned and implemented. Our main goal is to provide training and development opportunities to entrepreneurial women, improve their quality of life, and help them lead positive changes in society."

KAGİDER Chairwoman Bezircioğlu stated that the protocol was initiated with the goal of increasing the financial literacy of women and women entrepreneurs in Turkey. She expressed that their main mission as an association is to support women's entrepreneurship and ensure that women become socially and economically empowered to be part of decision-making mechanisms. She pointed out that only 35.8% of women of working age in Turkey are part of the workforce.

Informing that the proportion of women entrepreneurs is approaching 12%, Bezircioğlu added, "If we include self-employed women as well as employer women, this rate is 17.5%. It is evident that financial inclusiveness and access to finance are key issues that women entrepreneurs must overcome, as one out of every two women in Turkey does not have a bank account."

Bezircioğlu emphasized that bridging 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. Through our cooperation with CMB, we will mobilize efforts to increase women's financial literacy across Turkey. We believe that with the financial awareness we create, women will take more solid and informed steps in the economic sphere."