WOMEN AT THE HELM ON THE PORSUK RİVER

As part of its mission to support women's employment in every field, the Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality has broken new ground by appointing female captains to boats operating on the Porsuk River.

The Metropolitan Municipality has launched another remarkable project in line with its goal of increasing female employment and strengthening gender equality. Following the hiring of female drivers for trams and buses in the city, female captains are now taking the helm of the boats operating on the Porsuk River.

Sabriye Erbil and Ebru Metin, whose journeys from parking attendants to captains have drawn attention, are inspiring examples of this transformation. 48-year-old Sabriye Erbil explained that she chose to become a boat captain after receiving an offer, and that she received the necessary training from the Istanbul Port Authority and has now earned her license. Ebru Metin, on the other hand, expressed her children's surprise and excitement when she was told she would become a boat captain. She encouraged all women with her words, "I believe women can be successful in every field."

The deployment of female captains on the Porsuk River once again highlighted Eskişehir's pioneering role in women's employment and equality. Local and international tourists visiting Eskişehir enjoyed the unique scenery of the Porsuk River aboard boats piloted by female captains, and this innovative move was widely praised.

This exemplary practice by the Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality has also inspired efforts to increase women's participation in the workforce across Türkiye.