E-Commerce Opens Employment Opportunities for Women; 27% of Tradespeople in Istanbul Are Women
The number of women tradespeople among registered tradespeople in Istanbul, Türkiye’s metropolitan city, is gradually increasing. The share of women among tradespeople in the city has risen to 27% over the past five years. E-commerce has also played a role in this increase.
According to data from the Istanbul Union of Chambers of Tradespeople and Artisans, there are approximately 280,000 tradespeople registered with tradespeople chambers in Istanbul. Women account for 27% of this figure. This rate was 22% five years ago.
“Many People Sell Products Through Digital Platforms”
According to the announced data, this increase was associated with technological change, lighter workloads in some sectors, digital sales, and the expansion of e-commerce. The statement from the chamber included the following remarks: “Economic conditions are causing this number to rise. Although one might think the opposite, because of the impact of global problems on economies, we may witness some closures, but new fields created by technology can lead people to other professions. Many people now work from home. They sell the products they produce or source through digital platforms.”
Women Show Interest in Beauty Services Linked to E-Commerce
According to chamber data, the increase in women tradespeople has become more visible since the pandemic period. However, it has accelerated more recently as women seek a stronger role in economic life. Women are now directly involved in trade. Women tradespeople in Istanbul are especially active in handmade goods, textiles, beads, decorative objects, and jewelry design. In addition, women show interest in beauty services linked to e-commerce and training programs offered by the chambers.
The statement from the chamber included the following remarks: “E-commerce has enabled women to create space for themselves in the business world and at the same time contribute to household income. In addition, women have become more confident in presenting their skills, craft, and artistic work to customers. Women are now taking part in different areas of Istanbul’s commercial life, including neighborhood markets, taxi driving, and bus driving. State institutions also provide support that helps increase the number of women entrepreneurs. Young people are particularly interested in digital commerce because they use digital environments more easily and comfortably.”
“E-Commerce Has Changed Traditional Trade”
The statement noted the following: “E-commerce has changed traditional trade by allowing people to sell the products they produce, source, or stock through online platforms. The spread of e-commerce and the increase in trade in this field have carried traditional trade into another dimension. Physical shops will continue to exist alongside e-commerce rather than disappear. Although people turn to digital environments for trade, sometimes citizens want to go outside, breathe fresh air, and shop in person. People want to shop by walking around, talking, dealing with tradespeople, and bargaining.”