Women's Sports in Türkiye conference held in Turkish capital Ankara

By Salih Ulas Sahan and Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

The French Embassy in Türkiye and the Women’s Football Club Association held an event titled "Women's Sports in Türkiye" in the Turkish capital Ankara, falling the same week as International Women’s Day.

In her opening speech at the Friday event, France’s Ambassador to Türkiye Isabelle Dumont said: "We know that we have a long way to go in terms of gender equality. This is as true for France as it is for Türkiye and the rest of the world... Last summer, six of Türkiye's eight Olympic medals and 17 of 28 medals in the Paralympics were won by women athletes."

At the event at the French Embassy Residence, former professional basketball player and journalist Sukran Albayrak, Besiktas Women's Football Team Administrative Manager Nergiz Bulut, and Women’s Football Club Association President Berivan Colak Yildirim also spoke, addressing issues such as the difficulties faced by female athletes, gender equality and gender discrimination in sports, the development of women's sports in Türkiye and the world, and the lack of sponsorship and financial support in women's sports.

Afterwards, a mini women's football tournament with six teams of five players was played on the embassy field.

Other notable attendees at the event included Samsunspor Marketing Director and women's rights lawyer Zeycan Yildirim, members of the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality FOMGET Under-17 Girls' Football Team, and members of the Genclerbirligi Under-15 Girls' Football Team.