Ambassador to Austria and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Vienna
Part of UK in Turkey
28th February 2014
Brilliant Turkish women
Are women better at business than men?
I found myself asking this question after visiting KAGIDER, the Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkey, here in Istanbul.
KAGIDER is a fine organisation. A group of top women business types set it up in 2002. Its goals include developing entrepreneurship among women; strengthening women’s status economically and socially; and creating a world in which women can play an effective role in decision-making processes.
All sound excellent goals to me.
When I visited KAGIDER recently, I was impressed by the high calibre of the women entrepreneurs I met. Of course I have met many excellent male entrepreneurs too in Turkey. But I am still sometimes surprised by attitudes across which you can come in any country, such as “It is hard for a man to work for a woman boss”.
My thoughts on that: anyone who still thinks like that (what century are you in?) should start recognising that many women bosses are brilliant. I’ve worked for plenty.
And while we’re at it, let’s not forget that insurance statistics show that women are safer drivers than men and less likely to be involved in everything from driving when drunk (three times less likely) to having a fatal accident (two times less likely at age 20-29).
As noted in my recent Kusursuzlar blog (Violence against women, Kusursuzlar and Can IKEA do good?) the UK has long championed projects in Turkey to support the rights of women. I look forward to continuing to work with KAGIDER.