The event's significance was underlined by its alignment with Koç University’s commitment to inclusivity within academia and its aim to drive gender equality forward within the higher education landscape. Each day of the Staff Week featured engaging sessions and workshops, strategically designed to catalyze knowledge exchange and meaningful dialogue across various facets of gender mainstreaming in higher education. Sessions throughout the week addressed critical areas of concern, including work-life balance, student services, superdiversity, leadership, medical education, gender-inclusive teaching, arts and drama, and the implementation of gender equality plans. Attendees had the opportunity to immerse themselves in compelling discussions, deepening their understanding of these subjects and exploring strategies to drive positive change. This International Staff Week exemplified the power of collaboration and innovation to advance gender equality in higher education. As an integral platform for practitioners, administrators, and academics to exchange insights, challenges, and strategies, this event transcended borders, inspiring meaningful change within the higher education landscape. Due to the remarkable success of this inaugural endeavor, the second edition is scheduled for May 2024, with a commitment to continue annually, each year with a theme focused on different aspects of gender mainstreaming in higher education. This continuity ensures the ongoing propagation of gender equality within academia.
A summary report for the International Staff Week coud be found here.
