For All Women and Girls: Emel Gültekin on the Power of Partnership and Solidarity

Emel Gültekin, an innovative entrepreneur from Türkiye, and founder of Çukurova Başak Women's Cooperative, engaged at UN Women’s regional Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO, connecting with ŞOK Marketler’s "Count Me In" project—an initiative by Yıldız Holding. Photo courtesy of Emel Gültekin

A Book, a Vision, and a Journey of Empowerment

Emel Gültekin’s entrepreneurial journey was sparked by a book, her mother’s advice, and an unshakable commitment to women’s empowerment. A senior agricultural engineer and mother of two, Emel had spent years in her profession before the pandemic reshaped her path.

Revisiting a medicinal plants book inherited from her grandfather, she realized she had long overlooked an opportunity. Encouraged by her mother to focus on medicinal and aromatic plants, she saw a chance to create economic opportunities not only for herself, but for other women as well. With a firm belief that economic independence is key to women’s empowerment, she founded the Çukurova Başak Women’s Cooperative alongside strong, hardworking women.

Discovering a Platform for Change

Eager to expand her initiative, Emel discovered the UN Women Expo Initiative, a platform supporting women entrepreneurs. The initiative aligned perfectly with her goal of making women’s work visible and fostering sustainable economic growth.

“We wanted to share our products and our story with a wider audience, to inspire more women, and to build meaningful collaborations. The Expo Initiative was the perfect opportunity to do just that,” Emel recalls.

Through the Expo, Emel’s cooperative connected with ŞOK Marketler’s ‘ŞOK’ta Ben de Varım’ (‘Count Me In’) project, initiated and implemented by Yıldız Holding. This partnership was more than just business—it was a validation of the power of women-led enterprises.

“Seeing a large retail chain like ŞOK Marketler believe in women’s labor and take a stand for our work was incredibly empowering. It was a testament to what we could achieve,” she says.

With this collaboration, the cooperative expanded its reach, bringing handcrafted products to nearly 250 ŞOK stores across Turkey. The impact was immediate: increased sales, new job opportunities for women, and a boost in confidence among members.

The Impact: Strength in Numbers

The economic benefits were undeniable. With over 100,000 products purchased, the initiative generated more than 10 million TL in value for women’s cooperatives. But beyond financial gains, Emel saw something even more powerful — the transformation of women’s lives.

“Women in our cooperative didn’t just earn an income; they gained a sense of belonging, solidarity, and confidence. They saw firsthand that their work was valuable and that they had the power to change their own lives,” Emel reflects.

The partnership also helped the cooperative grow in ways they hadn’t imagined. Increased production capacity, better organizational skills, and access to a wider customer base all contributed to long-term sustainability.

“Our cooperative started as a crawling baby, and thanks to this collaboration, we’ve taken our first steps. Now, we dream of running.”

A Message to Women Entrepreneurs

For women looking to take a similar path, Emel’s advice is simple: be courageous and start with what you have.

“No success happens overnight, but everything becomes possible through solidarity. Build strong networks, seek out partnerships, and believe in the power of collective production and empowerment. And most importantly, share your story — because your journey might be the inspiration another woman needs.”

Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Growth

Emel sees her partnership with ŞOK Marketler as just the beginning. Her goals include expanding to international markets, increasing employment for women, and establishing a strong brand.

“The ultimate goal isn’t just financial success — it’s long-term social change. When women gain economic independence, society as a whole moves closer to equality.”

Through resilience, vision, and solidarity, Emel Gültekin and the women of Çukurova Başak Women’s Cooperative are proving that when women rise, everyone benefits. And their journey is just getting started.