Selen Okay Akçalı

Focus Areas

Selen Okay Akçalı is the President of Yanındayız, the first association in Turkey aiming to more actively involve men in sustaining gender equality. The primary goals of Yanındayız are: ending violence against women and children, increasing women’s participation in work life and decision-making processes, equity in household chores, and equal opportunity in education, healthcare, and sports.

Akçalı holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. After 12 years of experience in the private sector, she became one of the founding board members of the Women on Boards Turkey Association and focused on helping women move into boardrooms. She is the founding partner of Agenti, a flexible HR start-up aiming to increase the employment of Turkish youth. She also serves as a Board Member of Forum Istanbul Institute.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to start an equalitarian men movement for sustaining gender equality.”