Allyship in Action
Gender equality remains obstructed by deeply rooted structural barriers that affect women’s advancement across numerous sectors. Even with increasing awareness and advocacy, economic opportunities can appear limited, while cultural norms continue to uphold systemic inequalities. These complexities necessitate innovative approaches to engagement and support. Selen Okay Akçalı, Chair of the Board at Yanındayız (We Stand By You) Association, exemplifies a proactive response by drawing men into the fight against patriarchy, inequality, violence against women and children, and hurdles in the workplace, home, education, and health.
In this final episode of Season 2 of Credo Voices, Selen shares her path as an Industrial Engineer to civil society. Growing up in Turkey and navigating corporate life in a male-dominated field, she faced traditional gender role limitations. These experiences revealed systemic challenges for women, driving her toward inclusive solutions.
Founded in 2018, Yanındayız addresses gender inequality in a unique way by mobilizing men as allies. It challenges the idea that equality is women-only, emphasizing shared responsibility rooted in human rights. The organization runs thematic awareness activities, member meetings, and events to grow effective, sustainable projects.
Yanındayız has grown from 40 to over 170 advocates, including leaders from business, arts, and academia. This network challenges outdated beliefs, fostering collaborative spaces where all voices drive change.
At the heart of Yanındayız’s work is mindset transformation through pro-feminist advocacy. Workshops and campaigns target men, promoting questioning of patriarchy and roles in equality. Signature efforts include elevating women’s participation in the workforce and decision-making, and promoting equitable household sharing to create compassionate lives for all.
Yanındayız also partners globally with MenEngage Alliance, Açık Açık donors, CAF America, and TUSIAD business NGOs. These ties ensure transparency, international credibility, and policy influence, scaling local impact nationwide.
Through this inclusive model, Yanındayız advances Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), proving that allyship ends violence and builds equity in every sphere.
“Selen’s work is critical to reshaping how society understands gender roles. By actively engaging men in the conversation, she underscores that advancing equity is a shared responsibility,” says Awele Okigbo, CEO of Credo Advisory.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify and visit our website for more information. To learn more about Selen and her work, follow her on LinkedIn and visit the Yanindayiz website.
New episodes of Credo Voices are released monthly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube as part of Credo Advisory’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and fostering a global community of change-makers.