In Projects Led By Women, the Human-Centered Management Approach Stands Out
Interview: Tuğba Karademir
Nilüfer Çevikel, the Chairwoman of Nil-San Tekstil, says, “March 8th is not just a celebration day; it is a significant turning point to remember women’s labor, struggle, and rights, to raise societal awareness, and to ensure equal opportunities.”
Since stepping into the business world, Nilüfer Çevikel has shaped her leadership career with a strong vision and an understanding of sustainability. After completing her education at Uludağ University, Çevikel entered the textile industry and today leads Nil-San Tekstil as the Chairwoman, managing an integrated production facility that exports to 70 countries. In addition, as the first female president of DOSABSIAD (Organized Industrial Zone Industrialists and Businesspeople Association), she has launched important projects to empower women in the workforce. We spoke with her about her goals to increase female employment in the sector and strengthen women’s leadership roles in the business world.
First of all, could you tell us a bit about yourself, Ms. Nilüfer? Can you provide information about your educational background? Did the education you received influence your decision to enter the textile industry?
I was born in Bursa. While continuing my education at the Faculty of Business Administration at Uludağ University, I took my first steps into the business world. I gained management experience by establishing student dormitories in Görükle, and this process played an important role in shaping my business vision. In 2002, I entered the textile industry with yarn twisting and today, as the Chairwoman of Nil-San Tekstil, which has evolved into an integrated production facility and exports to nearly 70 countries directly and indirectly, I continue to lead the company. Additionally, I am involved in tourism and transportation sectors, and through my investments in the software industry, I aim to lead innovative digital and technology-driven transformations.
I can say that my education has played a significant role in developing my business vision. For this reason, I have never stopped learning. I completed a Master’s in Industrial Policies and Technology Management at Istanbul Commerce University and a Master’s in History at Istanbul Topkapı University. Currently, I am studying Political Science and International Relations at Istanbul University. I believe that the education I received has broadened my perspective in the business world and strengthened my strategic decision-making processes.
“The different perspectives that women bring to management open the way for innovation and introduce a sustainable and human-centered management approach”
Unfortunately, we still do not see enough female managers in the textile industry. How did your career journey in the textile sector begin? Have you faced challenges as a female manager?
My career journey in the textile sector was shaped by my deep interest in production processes and my desire to make a difference in the industry through innovative investments. Today, thanks to our innovative production techniques and export-based growth strategy, we have become a strong player in the textile sector. Of course, as a female manager, I faced some challenges along the way. However, I believe that the different perspectives women bring to management open the way for innovation and also introduce a sustainable and human-centered management approach. It makes me very happy to see that this awareness has increased over time in the business world. We now see that women entrepreneurs and managers have more say in many areas, especially in the textile sector. Women’s stronger participation in management not only accelerates their individual successes but also speeds up transformation in the sector.
“We support young people in building careers in the textile and industry sectors by collaborating with vocational schools and universities”
How do you assess the working conditions of your female employees at Nil-San Tekstil as both a female employee and manager? What kind of initiatives do you have to support women’s employment?
We attach great importance to the projects we have implemented to increase female employment and improve working conditions. In this regard, we create various support mechanisms to help our employees participate in working life in a stronger and safer way. We offer flexible working hours, childcare support, and improvements in social rights to maintain work-life balance and provide a more productive working environment. In addition, we provide professional training and management programs to help women advance in their careers, encouraging not only their participation in the workforce but also their advancement in management positions.
Furthermore, to increase female employment in the industry, we collaborate with vocational schools and universities to support young people in building careers in the textile and industrial sectors. By developing projects that promote entrepreneurship, we also help those who want to take an active role in production become economically empowered.
The First Female President of DOSABSIAD
You also serve as the Chairman of the DOSABSIAD Board of Directors. Could you share some of the strategic decisions or projects that you have developed as DOSABSİAD, particularly regarding increasing women’s presence in the sector?
Since 2019, I have had the honor of serving as the Chairman of the DOSABSIAD Board of Directors, and I am proud to be the first female president of the association. In our association, we are actively working to increase employment in the industry, support entrepreneurs, and integrate them into the workforce through training programs. To strengthen the economic independence of women entrepreneurs, we organize investment support programs and informational meetings to reduce the difficulties they face in accessing finance. We also offer comprehensive training and consultancy programs to help women entrepreneurs take better advantage of the opportunities provided by digitalization and e-commerce. We provide guidance on e-commerce ecosystems, marketing strategies, and online sales channels to help women grow their businesses on digital platforms.
Additionally, we are developing collaborations with women’s cooperatives to encourage local production and work on models that strengthen entrepreneurship. We are promoting the integration of women into the digital transformation process in the industry and creating support mechanisms to open up opportunities for technology-focused initiatives. As part of this, we offer training to develop qualified personnel in digital transformation expertise, particularly targeting young people, to contribute to the development of the sectoral ecosystem.
What kind of change and transformation have you observed in the industry with more women in management and the workforce? Can you share your observations with us?
I believe that with the increasing presence of women in industry and management, there is a significant transformation taking place in the business world. Particularly in companies led by female leaders, innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility projects are gaining more prominence. In the industrial and manufacturing sectors, the increasing presence of women in management brings a more balanced and dynamic structure to the workforce. As inclusivity increases in workplaces, creativity and problem-solving skills improve, enabling companies to make more agile and flexible decisions. In projects led by women, the human-centered management approach stands out, and companies’ long-term growth strategies are built on more solid foundations.
Moreover, in companies where women play an active role in management, employee satisfaction, motivation, and productivity rates are observed to rise. Increased employee engagement leads to a healthier and more supportive culture in the workplace. Therefore, supporting women’s presence in leadership positions has become one of the key elements not only for individual success but also for corporate and sectoral growth.
“We offer scholarship programs, vocational training courses, and internship opportunities to train the qualified workforce the industry needs”
Do you have any Social Responsibility Projects you are currently running or planning? Are you working with associations or NGOs? If so, can you talk about these efforts?
I prioritize not only achieving economic success in the business world but also undertaking projects that benefit society. Both at Nil-San Tekstil and under the DOSABSIAD umbrella, we have launched many social responsibility projects. Within the scope of our education support initiatives, we collaborate with vocational schools and universities to help integrate young people into the industry. We offer scholarship programs, vocational training courses, and internship opportunities to train the qualified workforce needed by the industry. Additionally, we develop programs to encourage female entrepreneurship and support women in playing a more active role in business. Furthermore, we work with women’s cooperatives to guide local producers on market access, technology usage, and branding.
Believing in the power of social solidarity, we always prioritize the spirit of helping each other in difficult times. As DOSABSİAD, we organized aid campaigns for citizens affected by earthquakes and delivered food, clothing, and essential supplies to the region. During this process, we worked in coordination with our industrialists to carry out a fast and efficient relief organization. In addition, every Ramadan, we distribute food packages to families in need and organize large iftar events. By showcasing the best examples of sharing and solidarity, we try to reach every segment of society.
“Especially the increasing role of women in production, design, and management processes adds significant dynamism to the sector.”
Have you observed any changes in women’s participation in the workforce in the textile industry in recent years? Do you think this change will accelerate in the future? What advice would you give to women who are just starting their careers?
In recent years, we are pleased to observe that more women are taking part in the textile industry. Especially the increasing role of women in production, design, and management processes has brought significant dynamism to the sector. However, there is still a long way to go. To enable women to have more say in the business world, we need to strengthen equal opportunities, increase access to education, and spread supportive policies.
My biggest advice to the new generation of women employees is to trust themselves, be brave, and continuously improve themselves. Being open to learning, following innovations, and giving opportunities to different experiences are key to making a difference in professional life. Having more women in industry, production, and managerial positions will not only enhance their individual career journeys but also increase the overall competitiveness of the sector.
Do you have a special message for International Women’s Day on March 8th?
Women are present in every area of life, and with their contributions to the economy, they are advancing society. The power of women in production, management, science, art, and many other fields is one of the cornerstones of building a sustainable future. March 8th is not just a celebration day; it is a significant turning point to remember women’s labor, struggle, and rights, raise societal awareness, and ensure equal opportunities.
It is important for the business world to ensure more women are in decision-making mechanisms and to create a working environment where they can fully unleash their potential. Therefore, creating a more equal, just, and inclusive business world is a responsibility for all of us. On this occasion, I would like to congratulate all our women and express that we believe their courage, determination, and achievements will make the future stronger and more sustainable.
