The global economy and the way we do business are undergoing a rapid transformation. Digitalization, artificial intelligence, demographic change, and geopolitical developments are redefining the competitive strength of institutions. In this period of transformation, one of the fundamental conditions for sustainable growth emerges as the full and equal participation of women in economic and social life.
Although international reports indicate that the gender gap in education has largely been closed, this progress is not reflected in the workforce to the same extent. The fact that the advances achieved in education do not translate into economic power represents a potential loss for countries. Today, gender equality remains not only a matter of social responsibility, but also an issue of productivity, institutional resilience, and growth.
As Arkas Holding, we regard equal opportunity as a corporate responsibility. Within our group, which provides employment to more than 8,000 people, the proportion of women among our white-collar employees stands at 34%. According to the data of the International Labour Organization, this ratio is around 30% worldwide. With this rate, we provide women’s employment at Arkas above the global average.
In the maritime sector, where the workforce is predominantly male, the proportion of women officers serving on our vessels stands at 8%. According to the data of the Global Maritime Forum, considering that the global share of women working at sea is below 2%, this corresponds to approximately four times the global sectoral average. The fact that women are actively serving not only in offices but also in roles such as master mariner, chief officer, second officer, third officer, and chief engineer demonstrates that a lasting transformation in the sector is possible.
As one of the first 45 organizations in Türkiye to sign the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), established in 2015 through the collaboration of the United Nations Global Compact and UN Women, we take pride in implementing our approach to gender equality in employment not only as a commitment but also in practice.
A structure where women are more visible in the business world, more active in decision-making processes, and more strongly represented in leadership positions means a sustainable future not only for institutions but for society as a whole. Diverse perspectives, the power of empathy, and a solution-oriented approach are reflected directly in business outcomes as elements that enrich corporate culture. For this reason, at Arkas Holding and its subsidiaries, we also address the proportion of women in managerial positions in line with the principles of gender equality; today, the ratio of women managers in our companies stands at 28%, reaching the global average. In order to make equality lasting, we strive to build a more balanced and inclusive structure in this field each year.
Believing that social progress is possible through an inclusive and fair approach, I sincerely celebrate the International Women’s Day of all women who shape the future with their labour, courage, and productivity.
Diane Arcas Göçmez
Arkas Holding Vice President