On the occasion of September 8, International Literacy Day, we at TÜRGEV once again recognize the power of education and its transformative impact. We believe that the first letter written by a child’s hand is the very first signature placed on the Century of Türkiye.
08 September 2025
On International Literacy Day, September 8, we at TÜRGEV once again affirm the power of education and its transformative impact. We believe that the first letter written by a child’s hand is the very first signature placed on the Century of Türkiye.
Literacy Reaches 97.6 Percent in Türkiye
Today, the literacy rate in Türkiye has reached 97.6 percent. This remarkable achievement is the clearest result of decades of nationwide educational mobilization. We take great pride in witnessing how our young women grow not only with textbooks but also through the vast horizons of science, technology, art, and sports.
A Great Transformation in Women’s Educational Journey
In the 1980s, one out of every two women in Türkiye was illiterate. Today, the picture reflects a profound transformation: by 2024, women’s share in higher education has risen to 48.9 percent. This change is one of the strongest proofs of the progress our nation has made in education and freedoms.
From Restrictions of the Past to Building the Future
There was once a time when our youth were denied their right to education at the gates of universities because of the headscarf ban. Today, those same young people are freely present in lecture halls, laboratories, and libraries. They are developing their own drones, defense technologies, and domestic software, declaring to the world the self-confidence of the Century of Türkiye.
Our 30 Year Journey Together
Founded in 1996, TÜRGEV has been walking alongside youth for nearly three decades. Today, more than 80,000 students breathe the spirit of sisterhood in our dormitories, while over 14,000 benefit from scholarships to build their futures. For us, true success goes beyond numbers: it is being a guiding star in the educational journeys of our young women.
The Silence of Gaza Echoes in Our Conscience
As the world celebrates the right to literacy, in Gaza children’s pencils are being broken and schools remain closed. More than 785,000 students have been deprived of education. At TÜRGEV, just as we stand by the youth of our country, we will continue to stand with the oppressed wherever they may be in the world.
Together We Write the Future
With the vision of our President for the youth, we know this: a generation that is self-confident, committed to its values, and just in conscience is the guarantee of the Century of Türkiye. On International Literacy Day, our call is clear: let us carry each day further than the last, and let us build the future together, illuminated by the young women who light our path.
