CEPIS is pleased to announce that the Business Professional Women Istanbul (BPW Istanbul) association has officially joined the DiversIT initiative as an allied member. This partnership marks a significant step forward in our shared commitment to fostering gender diversity and inclusion in the IT profession across Europe and beyond.
BPW Istanbul, part of the globally recognised BPW International network, is renowned for its dedication to empowering women in business and promoting gender equality in leadership. By aligning with the DiversIT initiative, BPW Istanbul strengthens its advocacy in the technology sector, an industry where the gender gap remains a critical challenge.
“We are delighted to welcome BPW Istanbul to the DiversIT community,” said Petra Kotuliakova, Chair of the CEPIS DiversIT expert group. “Their long-standing commitment to advancing women’s professional opportunities perfectly complements our mission to promote diversity and inclusion in IT. Together, we aim to inspire and empower more women to enter, thrive, and lead in the technology field.”
The DiversIT initiative is a key programme of CEPIS, dedicated to addressing gender disparity in IT through strategic partnerships, advocacy, and actionable resources. It seeks to raise awareness about the importance of diverse talent in driving innovation and to equip organisations with the tools needed to create inclusive work environments.
Ceylan Güzekin, President of BPW Istanbul, said: “We are thrilled to join the CEPIS DiversIT initiative, as it perfectly aligns with our long-standing commitment to empowering women and promoting gender equality across all sectors, including the ever-evolving IT industry. At BPW Istanbul, we believe that fostering diversity is key to driving innovation. This collaboration offers us a unique opportunity to break down barriers, share best practices, and inspire the next generation of female leaders in technology. Together, we can build a more inclusive and dynamic IT landscape where every individual has the opportunity to excel.”
Through this collaboration, BPW Istanbul and DiversIT will focus on joint activities, including knowledge sharing, promoting best practices, and creating opportunities to inspire young women to pursue careers in IT.
This partnership underscores the commitment of both organisations to achieving a common goal: to build a more equitable and inclusive IT industry where all individuals, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to excel.
For more information about the DiversIT initiative, please visit https://cepis.org/diversit-charter/. To learn more about BPW Istanbul and their activities, visit https://bpwistanbul.org/biz-kimiz/ (in Turkish).
About CEPIS DiversIT
The Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS) DiversIT initiative is dedicated to increasing gender diversity in IT across Europe. By fostering collaboration, offering certification, and driving actionable change, DiversIT aims to inspire more women to enter and succeed in IT careers while equipping organisations to create inclusive environments.
About BPW Istanbul
The Business Professional Women Istanbul association is a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment and gender equality in Turkey. As part of BPW International, BPW Istanbul provides professional development opportunities, promotes women in leadership, and champions initiatives to close gender gaps in various industries, including technology.
