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Press release…
Cooperatives share their digital transformation journeys and success stories during online event on Hepyerinden platform, supported by FAO, Işbank and Pazarama…
1 August 2025, Ankara – An online training designed to strengthen the digital presence of women-led cooperatives and highlight routes to success took place this week on the Hepyerinden platform. The event, entitled “Digital Platform for Cooperatives: Success Stories from the Field”, was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with Türkiye İş Bankası and Pazarama.
The event was introduced by senior representatives of FAO-Türkiye, Türkiye İş Bankası and Pazarama.
Özcan Türkoğlu, FAO-Türkiye’s Senior Programme Coordinator, emphasized the value of the Hepyerinden platform for rendering women’s contributions more visible in the digital economy.“ Cooperatives are cornerstones of rural development”, he explained, “and Hepyerinden is more than an e-commerce site – it is a platform that gives real visibility to women’s work, transferring the spirit of solidarity to the digital world and delivering real-world impacts – as we can see today.”
İsmet Yalçın, Director of FAO-Türkiye’s Cooperative Support Programme, highlighted the transformative role of digitalization in empowering women in rural areas. “Supporting women’s productivity and leadership through digital tools is key to accelerating positive change in rural economies”, he affirmed, “and these success stories reflect the tangible outcomes of that effort.”
Representing Türkiye İş Bankası, Dilber Kavanoz Altınörs from the Agricultural Banking Marketing Department outlined the bank’s approach to inclusive finance and digital support:“We are committed to enhancing women’s participation in the workforce and the digital economy. Where there is a woman, there is production; and where there is production, there is development. We stand by them every step of the way.”
Zeynep Korucu Gürsan, Public and Corporate Relations Specialist at Pazarama, shared insights into the importance of visibility and storytelling in supporting women entrepreneurs:“Women are leading every stage of production. At Pazarama, we aim to amplify their voices and connect their products to consumers across the country. Through our initiative ‘The Power of Women: The Future of Agriculture’, carried out in collaboration with İş Bankası, we support cooperatives with zero commission, free shipping and tailored training. Our partnership with Hepyerinden takes this mission even further.”
Following the opening session, women entrepreneurs actively engaged in digital transformation shared inspiring testimonials.
Rahime Yüksel, President of the Düziçi Women’s Cooperative in Osmaniye, reflected on their progress and growth:“When we first started, we could only produce enough for our local community. Thanks to Pazarama, we now deliver across Türkiye. Our income has grown, we’ve created jobs and new women producers have joined our cooperative. This journey has not generated economic returns – it has also boosted our confidence. And throughout it all, my husband has been a constant source of support.”
Gülşehir Çukur, founder of the BeeBez brand, shared her journey as a woman entrepreneur using digital media tools:“I started with a modest goal, but consistency, the right messaging and trust in digital platforms helped my brand grow. Social media became more than a storefront—it allowed me to build a community and speak directly to consumers. Women become stronger when they own their story and share it.”
The event concluded with reflections from FAO representatives, who emphasized that empowering women in agricultural production goes beyond economic development – it also drives social and cultural transformation. The Hepyerinden digital platform continues to serve as a vital tool in expanding the visibility and impact of women-led cooperatives throughout Türkiye…
