Women in Automotive Association (OTOKAD) Begins Operations

The Women in Automotive Association (OTOKAD), established to strengthen the representation of women in Turkey's automotive sector, increase solidarity, and contribute to sectoral development, has begun its activities. The association's first general assembly was held on Tuesday, October 21. Nurten Berberoğlu was elected as the association's first president at the general assembly.

It set out to make the power of women in the automotive industry visible.

Women who work, produce, manage, and contribute to development in different areas of the automotive sector in Turkey are now coming together under one roof. The Automotive Women's Association (OTOKAD), established to increase the visibility of women in the sector, strengthen solidarity, and contribute to sectoral development, has officially launched.

The association's first general assembly was held on Tuesday, October 21. Nurten Berberoğlu was elected president at the general assembly, while the names on the board of directors were Azra Kabakçı, Elif Altun Doğan, Şebnem Ateş, Bahar Ünal, and Elif Özyıldırım. The reserve list for the board of directors included Melis Orhan, Ceren Taş, Şebnem Ateş, Eren Yörükoğlu, and Vecibe Kaplan Arslan.

Women's role in the automotive industry is growing stronger

OTOKAD will operate as an independent non-governmental organization that brings together women from all levels of the automotive industry. Covering a wide network ranging from drivers to technicians, engineers to managers, institutions serving the sector to university students, the association set out with the aim of “increasing the visibility and influence of women in the sector.” The association's goal is to ensure that this presence is represented more strongly and made sustainable.

“Our goal is to grow what already exists and multiply opportunities.”

OTOKAD President Nurten Berberoğlu said in a statement after the general assembly: "For years, women have played productive, competent, and effective roles in every area of the automotive industry. We have come together as OTOKAD to strengthen, make visible, and carry this presence into the future. Our goal is not to raise women's voices; it is to create a lasting impact together. OTOKAD is open to all women who are active in the automotive sector or who want to produce in this field."

OTOKAD aims to create sectoral awareness through education, mentoring, project development, and communication activities. Organizations that embrace the association's goals and wish to collaborate in this field can also apply for membership in OTOKAD. OTOKAD is not only a civil society organization but also positions itself as a solidarity platform. The association aims to build a more equal and inclusive future in the automotive industry by facilitating women's access to technical knowledge, career opportunities, and sectoral representation.