Istanbul, March 24 – A “Women in Economy Panel” was held at the UK Consulate General in Istanbul, focusing on the empowerment of women in the fields of economy and finance. The event saw the participation of Jill Morris, the UK Ambassador to Ankara, and Hatice Karahan, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT).
Progress Needed in Economic Representation of Women
During her speech at the event, Ambassador Morris highlighted that institutions that fully utilize women’s talents make better decisions, manage risks more effectively, and achieve more sustainable growth, as evidenced by global data. Morris emphasized that significant progress is still needed, stating, “Women are still severely underrepresented in senior economic positions. Only slightly more than a quarter of economists in the financial sector and just 16% of senior leaders are women.”
Morris also pointed out that only 22% of faculty members in the world’s leading economics departments are women. She expressed her pleasure in sharing the stage with a group of highly talented women who have reached the highest levels in their professions and are shaping the economic and financial landscape in Turkey and worldwide.
Prejudices Perpetuate Inequalities
CBRT Deputy Governor Hatice Karahan noted that, according to 2025 data, women constitute 51% of the workforce in the Turkish banking sector, a figure she described as very valuable. However, Karahan observed that inequality becomes more pronounced as careers advance, stating, “In many countries, management positions and C-suite roles in the financial sector are generally dominated by men.”
Karahan highlighted the significant underrepresentation of women at all levels of decision-making mechanisms globally. She questioned why women, despite having similar qualifications and performance, encounter certain obstacles in their career paths. Karahan attributed this issue to various interconnected factors, with underlying perspectives being the most fundamental cause. “Unconscious biases continue to reinforce the obstacles and inequalities women face worldwide,” she commented.
Event Details and Participants
The panel, which took place on March 24, 2026, was organized to foster discussions and strategies for enhancing women’s roles in economic and financial sectors. The presence of high-profile figures like Ambassador Morris and Deputy Governor Karahan underscored the importance of the topic and the commitment of both the UK and Turkish institutions to address gender disparities in the economy.
The discussions revolved around the challenges women face in climbing the corporate ladder, the impact of unconscious biases, and the benefits of greater female participation in leadership roles. Participants explored potential solutions and policy recommendations to create a more equitable and inclusive economic environment.
The event concluded with a call for continued efforts and collaboration between governments, financial institutions, and civil society organizations to champion women’s economic empowerment. The insights shared by the panelists are expected to contribute to ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in the workplace and beyond.
