The Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkey (KAGIDER) is a non-governmental organization aimed at strengthening women entrepreneurs with 420+ members representing 8% of the Turkish economy. KAGIDER’s goal is to strengthen women not only economically but also socially and politically. KAGIDER has made its mission to support women entrepreneurship because it believes that women entrepreneurs have a strong impact on reversing the trends of gender inequality and women’s economic exclusion. In addition, KAGIDER's goal is to bring attention to the societal contributions of women entrepreneurs in maintaining gender equality within society. In partnership with national and international public, private and civil organizations, KAGIDER has developed and continue to work on several projects and activities. Active globally, KAGIDER is the founding association of W20, has a focal point in Brussels, has consultative status for UN ECOSOC, member of FCEM, AFAEMME, WEP and is one of the five founding members of Balkan Women Coalition. KAGIDER follows 8 strategies in carrying out its activities. Since its establishment KAGIDER has been involved in a number of projects and activities in the public, private and civil society sectors aimed at providing trainings and mentoring to women entrepreneurs as well as those who looking to start their own businesses. In addition, it has focused on bringing women entrepreneur role models to the forefront and readying young women for the business world and developing their entrepreneurial skills. KAGIDER continues to grow and strengthen with its membership of approximately 400+ members working in a wide variety of sectors. Founded in Istanbul in September 2002 by 37 successful women entrepreneurs, KAGIDER (Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkey) is a nation-wide, world-renowned, non-profit organization whose mission is to enable better educational and employment opportunities, to develop entrepreneurship and leadership for women and is at the vanguard of advocacy for female empowerment.