Our TÜBİTAK 1001-funded research project, “Women in STEM Fields in the Republic and Turkey: A Sociological Analysis of the Last 30 Years” — conducted at Özyeğin University and coordinated by Associate Professor Berna Zengin Arslan (Project Code: 323K440) — aims to examine the representation, experiences, and transformations of women educated and working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields in Turkey over the past 30 years within the context of the Republic’s 100th anniversary. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the research seeks to provide an in-depth analysis of the factors influencing women’s entry into STEM; the challenges they encounter; and the professional dynamics that shape their careers. Based on these findings, the project aims to develop science-based policy recommendations to enhance women’s employment in STEM fields and contribute to gender equality policies by generating data, analysis, and awareness. Over the course of two years, semi-structured in-depth interviews will be conducted with 120 women from different age and professional groups in STEM fields across seven cities—Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Gaziantep, Malatya, and Samsun—selected based on data from the Ministry of Industry and Technology. Additionally, statistical data on women’s participation in STEM education and employment will be collected from reliable sources. In later stages, the qualitative and quantitative data gathered will be systematically organized and analyzed to build a comprehensive database on women’s representation and experiences in STEM in Turkey.
