All posts by : İNGEV

•  “Only 24 percent of enterprises in Türkiye use Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and an even smaller share use Customer Relationship Management (CRM). SMEs that fail to digitalize face the risk of being ‘left out’ of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution.”
• “Türkiye accounts for 3 percent of global ChatGPT traffic, indicating strong individual-level digital engagement; however, firm-level digital infrastructure remains critically weak.”
• “Despite a young population, NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) rates and skills mismatches are rising. Without intervention, the AI transition will create a new wave of inequality.”
• “Only 56 percent of businesses in Türkiye have a website, and many SMEs lack even basic data collection infrastructure, which severely limits the country’s ability to benefit from AI-driven productivity gains.”
• “With roughly 30 percent of employment being informal, the impacts of AI and automation could be far more destructive for millions of workers who have no access to social protection systems.”

Now in its seventh year in collaboration with Sabancı University’s Istanbul Policy Center, the ActHuman Social Inclusion Initiative launched its 2025 report in November, titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work in Türkiye: Digital Transformation for Inclusive Growth”, authored by rapporteur Emrehan Aktuğ.

This year’s findings show that Türkiye is at a critical turning point in its digital transformation. While individual digital engagement is high, gaps in institutional infrastructure and the digitalization deficit among SMEs reveal that the AI revolution brings a serious risk of widening inequalities.

Vural Çakır, President of İNGEV, highlighted the risks posed by the AI revolution, stating: “It is now clear that the AI revolution, along with its many opportunities, is creating a severe inequality problem. Regulations are needed to ensure that productivity gains are applied in favor of workers. Otherwise, a deep human crisis may emerge, hidden beneath the enchantment of AI myths.”

Senem Aydın Düzgit, Director of IPC, offered the following assessment of the report: “The pace of digital transformation today redefines not only economic competitiveness but also social equality and democratic participation. This process can only become a true opportunity if it is governed in a fair, accessible, and inclusive way for all segments of society.”

The report shows that Türkiye faces three possible pathways: a scenario of deepening inequality without intervention; a digitally divided future; or an opportunity for inclusive growth made possible through SME digitalization and human capital reform.

As ActHuman, our aim is to support this transformation in line with social inclusion, fair competition, and shared prosperity. The report’s policy recommendations provide a concrete roadmap for guiding Türkiye’s digitalization process toward a more just and sustainable foundation.

Click here to read the report: https://ingev.org/reports/Digital-Transformation-for-Inclusive-Growth.pdf

A workshop organized by INGEV (Human Development Foundation) and CAN Europe (Climate Action Network Europe) was held in Ankara, focusing on institutional collaborations for just and green transition processes.

The workshop brought together 48 participants from 30 different institutions, who engaged in discussions across 4 different tables, addressing regional development issues.

The topics discussed included the steps needed for regional development in the context of just transition and green transformation, inter-institutional cooperation and coordination, economy, and employment.

Regional transformation scenarios were prepared, and the unique dynamics and characteristics of the regions were taken into account, discussing regional development needs and the steps to be taken.

The literature review and workshop outputs will be compiled into a guide in January.

Initiated by İNGEV (Human Development Foundation) and first organized in 2023, the ActHuman Human Development Awards were presented for the second time this year. At the ceremony held on the evening of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Pera Museum, awards were presented to individuals and institutions that created significant impact in areas such as women’s empowerment, social innovation, the fight against inequality, environmental sustainability, social cohesion, reconstruction in earthquake-affected regions, rights-based work, and inclusivity.

At the end of the evening, the Prof. Fuat Keyman Lifetime Achievement Award—named in memory of the late Prof. Dr. Fuat Keyman, one of the founding members of INGEV and Vice Rector of Sabancı University—was presented to Ömer Madra.

The evening was hosted by Kübra Par, and the opening speech was delivered by İNGEV President Vural Çakır. The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests from civil society, academia, and the private sector.

Award Recipients

In the Women’s Empowerment category, Defne Women’s Cooperative was honored for the production network and culture of solidarity they established following the earthquake. On behalf of the cooperative, Nesrin Deli received the award from Şengül Akçar, President of the Foundation for the Support of Women’s Work (KEDV).

In the Social Innovation category, awards were presented to Pelin Baykan (Anlatan Eller), who has made sign language a native language of accessibility, and Yasemin Kireç (Anadolu Meraları), who has developed nature-compatible agricultural models. They received their awards from Zehra Öney, President of the Women in Technology Association, and Faruk Eczacıbaşı, Vice Chairman of Eczacıbaşı Holding.

In the Combating Inequality category, Hacer Foggo (Deep Poverty Network) was awarded for her persistent efforts to make urban poverty visible. She received her award from Emine Erdem, President of the Federation of Sectoral Associations (SEDEFED).

In the Environmental Sustainability category, Nejla Işık was honored for her determined advocacy in defending the Akbelen Forest in Muğla and bringing the issue to national attention. She received her award from Altan Ertürk, President of TÜSES (Foundation for Social, Economic and Political Research of Turkiye).

In the Social Cohesion category, Delal Dink (Hrant Dink Foundation) was recognized for her work promoting coexistence among differences. On behalf of Delal Dink, Sibel Asna, a board member of the Hrant Dink Foundation, received the award from Seçkin Karataş, General Manager of the Community Volunteers Foundation (TOG).

In the Reconstruction and Livelihoods in Earthquake Zone category, Sema Genel Karaosmanoğlu (Support to Life Association) was honored for developing sustainable solutions during times of crisis. She received her award from Hansın Doğan, UNDP Turkiye’s Portfolio Manager of Private Sector and Strategic Partnerships.

The Special Award for Reconstruction was presented to Müge Aydın (Arsuz Women’s Cooperative), who has built a new life in Hatay through the labor and solidarity of women. She received her award from Hande Tibuk, President of TİDER (Basic Needs Association).

Also in the same category, Yousra Khamis (Bilsan Atölye), a Syrian migrant who settled in Turkiye and created a hopeful production model, was awarded. She expressed her gratitude to İNGEV through a video message.

In the Rights-Based Work category, Ruşen Yücesoylu Karakaya, the pioneer of the İSİAS Justice Vigil, was honored for her determined pursuit of justice. She received her award from NOW Primetime News Anchorman Selçuk Tepeli,

In the Inclusivity category, two awards were presented: one to lawyer Sedef Erken (Istanbul Autism Volunteers Association) for her advocacy for the rights of individuals with autism, and the other to the team behind the TV series “Kızıl Goncalar” (Esma Yılmaz, Mina Demirtaş, Şükrü Necati Şahin), recognized for its portrayal of societal polarization. Sedef Erken, together with her son Ozan, received the award from Esra Bezircioğlu, President of KAGİDER (Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkiye).

The Prof. Fuat Keyman Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Ömer Madra, a pioneering voice in Turkiye known for his broadcasting based on human rights, climate awareness, and conscience.

A Testament to Collective Conscience for Human Development

The ActHuman Human Development Awards aim to increase the visibility of individuals and organizations contributing to human development in Turkiye, support the dissemination of good practices, and raise social awareness in these areas.

In his speech, İNGEV President Vural Çakır stated:

“The ActHuman Awards are not a gesture of gratitude, but a form of testimony. These stories from all over Turkiye show us that human development is not measured solely by numbers, but by the lives touched, by tireless efforts, by courage, and by hope.”

A Journey That Will Continue

ActHuman will continue in the years to come to support and give visibility to individuals and organizations that contribute to human development. These awards, which shed light on Turkiye’s human development journey, also serve as a collective call of conscience for a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Contact:
İNGEV – Human Development Foundation
info@ingev.org

We are thrilled to join the Social Value Family with the goal of creating measurable, strong, and sustainable impacts to fight social inequalities and support human development! 

As İNGEV, we are now a corporate member of Social Value Turkiye, the local affiliate of the globally recognized Social Value International network, which leads in social impact and social value practices worldwide.

Through this membership, we aim to adopt the best practices in social value measurement and management to amplify the societal impact of our initiatives.

Together, we strive for a fairer and more sustainable world! 

Please find attached the lessons learned from projects supporting the recovery of women-owned businesses in the earthquake-affected region. These insights capture effective approaches for enabling women entrepreneurs to rebuild their businesses, strengthen financial resilience, and achieve sustainable growth. We believe this document can serve as a valuable resource for designing effective projects in the future to foster economic recovery and gender empowerment.

Click to read: https://ingev.org/reports/Women-of-Recovery-Hand-in-Hand.pdf

As part of our ongoing strategy, INGEV’s digital transformation journey continues to evolve.

At the start of 2024, we migrated all video training resources on entrepreneurship and employment for vulnerable groups to the INGEVGDM web portal. These free services, designed for women, youth, and micro and small-scale entrepreneurs, are further enhanced with two monthly webinars.

Starting December 2, our Central Office’s remote working schedule, previously set at two days per week, will shift to four days per week. Alongside this change, we are relocating our Central Office to Kolektif House in Ataşehir.

Meanwhile, our Entrepreneurship Support Center in Şanlıurfa and all field operations will continue uninterrupted. Our goal is to increase efficiency at the center while enhancing our impact in the field.

Together, With Sincerity…

Please update your records with our new address:

İNGEV Central Office Address:
Nidakule, Kolektif House, Ataşehir, Istanbul

The insights we gained from the “Women Entrepreneurs in the Reconstruction Process Conference,” held on November 21 in Kahramanmaraş in collaboration with the Federation of Sectoral Associations (SEDEFED), highlight once again the immense potential the region holds in its economic and social reconstruction efforts.

The economic rebuilding of Kahramanmaraş following the February 6 earthquakes is not merely about replacing what was lost. Instead, it represents a forward-looking, visionary approach.

Mustafa Buluntu, President of the Kahramanmaraş Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KMTSO), shared with great enthusiasm the multifaceted developments in the aviation industry. This initiative clearly shows that the city has established a new focal point in industrial development and set ambitious goals for itself.

Vural Çakır, President of İNGEV, emphasized the critical role of women’s participation in economic life for the country’s overall development. He noted, “With the Eleleyiz Project, we provide women entrepreneurs with opportunities to restructure and sustainably grow their businesses. Empowering women means empowering society. On the other hand, we must also acknowledge the heroism of this city by giving credit to our women entrepreneurs in the post-earthquake recovery process. Being a woman, an entrepreneur, and persevering through such a challenging time is truly remarkable—it is a form of heroism. “

UNDP Turkey’s disaster region representative Hamit Doğan and Kahramanmaraş TOBB Women Entrepreneurs Board member Ümmügülsüm Betül Zabun provided concrete examples illustrating the multiplier effect of increasing the number of women entrepreneurs and their economic contributions in the city’s reconstruction process. Existing projects aimed at women entrepreneurs once again demonstrate that social development is not solely an economic matter but also supports social solidarity and sustainability. However, enhancing and ensuring the continuity of these efforts remains of vital importance.

Unfortunately, the magnitude of the region’s needs is still deeply felt. Severe funding shortages make it challenging to expand ongoing projects further. Additionally, urban reconstruction efforts are progressing slower than expected. At the current pace, it seems it will take at least five more years to declare many areas “completed.”

Following Şanlıurfa, Gaziantep, and Hatay, we are delighted to support women entrepreneurs in Kahramanmaraş as well. However, we are also acutely aware that our efforts remain small compared to the scale of what still needs to be done. We will continue to do our utmost to contribute to the city’s economic and social fabric.

Our hope is that these efforts will grow and strengthen, creating even greater impacts. We wish for Kahramanmaraş to achieve the future it deserves as soon as possible during this reconstruction process.

During this special event, organized in collaboration with the Kahramanmaraş Chamber of Commerce and Industry, EYODER also held a workshop on the green transformation of women entrepreneurs and SMEs.