The "Increasing Political Representation of Women in Local Governments: Barriers, Opportunities, and Solutions" 1002-A Rapid Support Project, prepared under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eray Aktepe, a faculty member in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at our university, has been deemed eligible for support by TÜBİTAK.The project, which received a budget of 75,260 TL, is considered an important step for women to have a greater say in local politics.

Within the scope of the project, the current situation regarding women's political representation in local governance in Türkiye will be analyzed through qualitative field studies; gender-based barriers to political participation and the role model effect will be examined in depth. Based on the findings obtained, it is aimed to develop policy and educational recommendations and provide concrete solutions to increase women's representation.

In the project, Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Özgür Öztürk will participate as a researcher, and the work will be carried out with the contributions of the Halime Çavuş Women's Association. The project aims to create social transformation starting from the local level and is expected to make women more visible in decision-making mechanisms. 

Evaluating the issue, Kastamonu University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal stated the following: “The political representation of women and their participation in local governance are among the most important indicators of our democratic development. The project developed by our university in this field is not only an academic study but also an example of social responsibility. I would like to thank TÜBİTAK for supporting this meaningful project and our valuable academics who work selflessly. Strong representation of women means a strong Turkey.” 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, congratulated the academic team involved in the project, especially the project coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eray Aktepe, and thanked them for their contribution to our University's scientific production capacity. Additionally, he expressed his gratitude to the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the members of YÖK for their support of scientific research, and to the President of TÜBİTAK, Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, for his encouraging contributions.