WISTA Turkey Has a New President Gürgan

Highlights from the General Assembly

At the meeting, both an evaluation of the past term was made and new term goals were determined. Opening the assembly, WISTA Turkey President Suzan Atasoy stated that she had completed her three-year term of office and emphasized unity and solidarity. While presenting the activity report, Atasoy highlighted the growth of the association and the strengthening of women seafarers. She also thanked founding president Nuvara Uslu Erdönmez and former presidents Halime Can and Nazlı Selek, conveying her best wishes to the new management.

The activity report and financial statements were presented by Ayşegül Görür and unanimously approved after discussions.

International Participation and New Memberships

Nazlı Selek emphasized the importance of Turkey’s strong participation in WISTA International General Assemblies. She noted that the last meeting held in Barcelona had the largest attendance in history, and underlined that the upcoming assembly in Malaysia would be an important opportunity to establish contact with Paris and the Pacific Asia region. Selek also stated that with the amendment to the WISTA International statute, corporate memberships are now accepted, which, although without voting rights, will contribute as observers. 

Gürgan’s Message

Before the voting, Melike Aysu Gürgan introduced the candidates for the new term board of directors and emphasized the association’s institutional development and sense of responsibility. She reminded that, for the first time in WISTA Turkey’s history, 16 candidates applied for board membership, saying: “This duty is a responsibility. I hope we have all fulfilled this responsibility with integrity.” Gürgan expressed her belief that each new board would achieve more than the previous one, stressing that in the new term, more comprehensive projects would be carried out to strengthen the institutional structure, increase international visibility, and enhance the effectiveness of women seafarers in the sector. Her speech created motivation and excitement among members, becoming one of the highlights of the assembly.

New Board of Directors

As a result of the voting, the new board of directors was elected as follows:

• President: Melike Aysu Gürgan – 51 votes

• Ebru Şenkaya – 49 votes

• Seden Özturan Çarklar – 41 votes

• Karin Demirtaş – 37 votes

• Elif Kısabacak – 37 votes

• Seren Horasanlı – 31 votes

• Ecem Sarı – 30 votes

Substitute members: İren Arıcan Özdemir, Defne Cizre Artar, Burcu Berrak, Gülsün Karcı Erdoğdu, Sim Gülle.

Plaque Ceremony and Closing

At the general assembly, plaques were presented to members who completed their 15th year in the association. The meeting concluded with the traditional New Year’s dinner attended by members.