Celebrating women and sharing struggles and triumphs across borders – an ATAUM event in honour of the International women’s day

In honour of the International Women's Day, the Embassy had the pleasure to take part in a roundtable panel at Ankara Üniversitesi ATAUM (European Community Research and Application Center) 7.3.2025, featuring student presentations on a wide range of gender equality topics. The event brought together students and faculty from different fields of academia to engage in meaningful dialogue on the adverse challenges women face in today’s society, as well as the evolving roles of women in society.

Moderated by Sara Kärnä, the Second Secretary at the Embassy of Finland in Ankara, the discussion highlighted diverse perspectives on women’s rights, cultural influences, legal frameworks, and historical milestones. The student speakers delivered compelling presentations, each shedding light on critical aspects of gender equality. Speakers emphasized the importance of policy changes, cultural shifts, and collective action in advancing women's rights globally.

"This event was a powerful reminder of the role that open dialogue and education play in shaping a more inclusive and just society," said Sara Kärnä, reflecting on the discussions. “I was reminded about the fact that there is so much resilience in women, across generations and backgrounds. I was also glad to be able to share some examples from the Finnish society on the topic of gender equality. The Finnish model has shown that achieving gender equality is not only about individual empowerment but also about systemic change, including inclusive policies and chancing societal attitudes. The event was a powerful reminder that while there has been remarkable progress, the journey toward full equality is ongoing — not just in Finland but globally.”

As participants came together in this inspiring exchange, one message was clear: the fight for gender equality is far from over, and together, we must continue to raise our voices, challenge barriers, and drive meaningful change.

Thank you ATAUM for the invitation and for facilitating such an important discussion on the eve of an important celebration. A big thank you also to the students participating and presenting, and pointing out both insightful facts as well as sharing personal stories and lessons – your views and insights shape the future of our societies.