Gender and Sexual Health Project (Sabanci University, Türkiye)

In a context where Turkish women regularly face violence, discrimination, limited access to accurate sexual health information, and unequal participation in decision-making processes, Gender and Sexual Health Project raises awareness, educates, and encourages active participation on gender-based discrimination, gender-based violence, access to accurate health information, consent, healthy relationships, and sexual rights, impacting 1,100 students since its inception in 1999.

Photo: International Women’s Day Campus Awareness Campaign

The mission of Civic Involvement Projects (CIP), including its Gender and Sexual Health Project, is to foster socially responsible and engaged citizens by combining student leadership, community partnership, and evidence-based approaches. The program aims to raise awareness, promote education, and encourage active participation in addressing pressing social issues such as gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, and social inclusion. Since its founding in 1999, this project has raised awareness among students on the relevant issues and to promote informed decision-making processes. Although the project is organized within a university unit (the CIP Office at Sabanci University), it is implemented by students, and the project content is designed and carried out by them. The primary focus areas of the project include gender-based discrimination, gender-based violence, access to accurate health information, consent, healthy relationships, and sexual rights. These issues are particularly significant in the Turkish context, where challenges such as violence against women, discrimination, limited access to accurate sexual health information, and unequal participation in decision-making processes continue to affect individuals and communities. Since 1999, an average of 1,100 students have participated, with approximately 100 serving as project supervisors each year.

Photo: Seminar on Violence Against Women

The CIP program at Sabancı University was established in 1999 as part of the university’s core curriculum to promote active citizenship and participatory democracy among students. The program was designed by the university to address the need for socially responsible individuals who are aware of and engaged with the communities they live in. Its primary purpose is to integrate academic learning with community engagement and to encourage students to take responsibility for addressing pressing social issues.

Currently, CIP operates as a structured educational program embedded within the university through the compulsory CIP 101 course. Students take an active role in designing and implementing projects, while coordinators provide mentorship, training, and oversight. The program is supported by a dedicated administrative structure and strengthened through partnerships with NGOs, local communities, and public institutions. Within the scope of the project, activities typically include workshops, seminars, peer education sessions, and meetings with field experts and NGOs. Key focus areas include gender-based discrimination, gender-based violence, access to accurate health information, consent, healthy relationships, and sexual rights. The project also adopts an intersectional approach by addressing how gender intersects with issues such as socioeconomic inequality, access to education, migration and refugee experiences, disability inclusion, and youth empowerment, while also examining gender in relation to urban life and disaster contexts.

Photo: Dating Violence Scavenger Hunt Activity

“Being a supervisor in the Gender Equality and Sexual Health Project has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my university journey. I have seen how creating safe spaces for open conversations can empower students, challenge prejudices, and foster empathy. Receiving an Honorable Mention in the MacJannet Prize is incredibly rewarding because it validates years of dedication, learning, and community engagement. This recognition belongs not only to our team but also to every student who participated, shared their experiences, and contributed to these conversations. For me, the award symbolizes the importance of youth leadership and the potential of universities to drive positive social change. It inspires us to continue building a more inclusive and informed community.”

— Ekin Toprak, CIP Supervisor

“This recognition belongs to the students whose commitment, courage, and leadership bring the project to life. We are grateful that their efforts to foster gender equality, awareness, and dialogue have been acknowledged by the MacJannet Prize community.”

— Zeynep Bahar, CIP Manager

“As the coordinator of the Gender and Sexual Health Project, I have had the opportunity to closely witness its transformative impact on both university students and the wider community. Working alongside students throughout the development and implementation of the project has shown me the powerful potential of young people to raise awareness and foster dialogue on issues of gender equality and sexual health. Receiving an Honorable Mention in the MacJannet Prize is a meaningful recognition of our students’ dedication, creativity, and commitment to building a more informed, inclusive, and equitable society.”

— Selen Avcı, CIP Specialist