Melikgazi Municipality organized a discussion titled 'The Role of Women in Turkish Culture and Their Traces in Art' with Prof. Dr. Hava Selçuk on International Women's Day, along with an art exhibition featuring paintings created by MELMEK course participants and a Canvas Painting Workshop.

 Emphasizing the importance of family structure in Turkish culture, Melikgazi Mayor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Palancıoğlu stated, 'We held a discussion titled 'The Role of Women in Turkish Culture' with esteemed Prof. Dr. Hava Selçuk. Following that, we organized an art exhibition and canvas painting activity where our sisters had the opportunity to experience painting and enjoy themselves. We also inaugurated an art exhibition prepared by our female participants, which was meticulously crafted with great effort. It turned out beautifully, and I congratulate them for their hard work. My wife is also involved in painting, and thanks to her, my daughter has started doing ceramics. Therefore, arts such as ceramics, painting, and marbling (ebru) are activities where women excel. On this occasion, I extend my warmest wishes to all women who hold significant roles in our society on International Women's Day, March 8th.'

Professor Dr. Hava Selçuk, stating that women have played a significant role in society throughout history, said, "Culture is a concept passed down from generation to generation by women. Women are the ones who enable the upbringing of children and the transmission of traditions and customs from one generation to another in society. Everything in society originates from women. Many characteristics that contribute to the development of societies stem from the maternal role of women. Women are the ones who raise their children, both sons and daughters. In Turkish society, women are actively involved in various fields alongside men. Throughout history, women have been involved in music. Especially during the Ottoman Empire period, we see that women excelled as painters, musicians, composers, and sculptors. Therefore, women have always been present in the art scene. I thank Melikgazi for this wonderful organization."

At the end of the program, the art exhibition was inaugurated, and women had the opportunity to experience painting at the painting workshop.