8 APRIL2026W MAN LEADERGLOBAL W MAN LEADERGLOBAL Work is underway to set up a Women's Cooperation Council within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), aimed at bringing member countries closer together on efforts to support and empower women, Türkiye's Family and Social Services Minister, Mahinur Özdemir Gökta said on Tuesday.She spoke about this during a conference in Baku on "Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA)," held while Azerbaijan serves as the OTS chair for 2024­2026.During a panel on "Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs, Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization," Gökta noted that the global economy is rapidly changing with the rise of digital technologies and artificial intelligence. She emphasized that these changes are creating fresh opportunities for women to take part in business and the workforce.Özdemir stated that the proposed council would help foster a common vision and collective will among Turkic states, particularly in areas such as women's entrepreneurship and labor force participation. "The OTS Women's Cooperation Council will become a strong regional organization that brings women together across our shared geography for a common future," she said. Held in Baku the event was hosted by Azerbaijan's State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs. 20-year-old Turkish Swiss candidate, Vera Çelik has become the first headscarf-wearing member o be elected to Zurich's municipal council. This appointment marks a milestone for political representation and religious freedom in Switzerland.Vera Çelik was elected as a representative of the Social Democratic Party (SP) from Zurich's 10th District, as stated by official election results on Sunday. She won 4,772 votes in the municipal council race.Vera is currently an under-training dental assistant. She is the first politician in Zurich to serve on the city council while wearing a headscarf. Her election has brought with it attention within Switzerland and among the Turkish community alike. Her appointment has been welcomed as a critical moment for political participation and diversity.Vera has been actively campaigning to address social justice issues and discrimination, including advocacy against headscarf restrictions and anti-Muslim sentiment in Switzerland. POLITICS WOMEN'S COUNCIL UNDER TURKIC STATES BLOC ANNOUNCED TURKISH-SWISS WOMAN BECOMES FIRST HIJABI TO BE ELECTED TO ZURICH COUNCIL NEWS BITES
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