Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design (ARUCAD) and the Association for Support to Life from Women (KAYAD) have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop joint projects in the fields of gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. Launched on October 1, 2025, this collaboration aims to create new social responsibility opportunities for university students while supporting awareness and inclusion initiatives across society.
Within the scope of the partnership, ARUCAD academics and students will participate in KAYAD-led projects, including awareness seminars, workshops, and extracurricular activities on topics such as gender equality, violence against women, human trafficking, and sexual abuse. Additionally, ARUCAD’s academic expertise and research capacity will be combined with KAYAD’s field experience to provide policy recommendations to decision-makers and develop solution models for social challenges.
The agreement includes initiatives such as inclusive language and anti-discrimination workshops, art events that highlight the experiences of individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, and the development of policies supporting the participation of people with disabilities, migrants, and LGBTQ+ communities in social life and higher education. Volunteer-based social responsibility initiatives will also be encouraged through mentor–mentee programs, the “Women Leaders Forum,” and “Role Model Meetings.”
ARUCAD Rector Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi emphasized the importance of KAYAD’s long-standing social work in Northern Cyprus, stating:
“With this collaboration, we aim to contribute to the development of our students, academics, and staff, while supporting KAYAD’s projects with our academic knowledge and creativity. While protocols are an important starting point, the real value lies in the projects we will bring to life together. As a university that stands out with its high number of female students and employees, we will continue to strengthen our vision of diversity and inclusion.”
KAYAD Vice President Minel Özen highlighted the power of collaboration between civil society and academia in creating stronger social impact, saying:
“This partnership with ARUCAD will merge our field experience with the academic world’s knowledge and creativity. Through joint workshops, seminars, and volunteer activities, we will help young people develop a sense of social responsibility and create a lasting impact in the fields of diversity and inclusion.”
This collaboration aims to combine the knowledge and creativity of academia with the field experience of civil society to make a lasting difference in gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. Through their joint projects, ARUCAD and KAYAD will empower young people with social responsibility awareness while continuing to raise awareness and drive positive change in society.
