As part of International Women's Day hear directly from Elvan on her experiences working in the hydropower sector:

My journey in the hydropower sector began even before I was aware of it! In the late 1960s, my father was a young engineer working on the construction of the Keban Dam — one of the largest hydropower plants in Türkiye, with an installed capacity of 1,330 MW. I was born at the job site of that dam. In many ways, I can say that I was literally ‘born into hydropower’.

My grandparents worked for the State Water Works of Türkiye, the country’s main water resources authority. For over 55 years, our family has been active in the hydro sector — first as an equipment supplier through Ciltuğ Co., and later as a renewable energy producer through Tektuğ Renewable Energy, operating eight hydropower plants. Today, I serve as a board member and executive in both companies. I am also the Head of the Board of HESİAD, Türkiye’s only hydro-focused NGO and a proud member of IHA. Being the first female head of such a male-dominated NGO is a responsibility I carry with pride. What makes it even more meaningful is witnessing more women step into leadership roles across other associations in our sector.

However, my professional path has not always been easy.

As a woman — and not an engineer by education — building credibility in a highly male-dominated sector has required determination, resilience and persistence. Hydropower equipment manufacturing, plant construction and renewable energy production are fields traditionally perceived as “not suitable” for women. I have never agreed with that perception.  

If I look back and ask myself how I reached where I stand today, the answer is clear: by working hard — often harder than many of my male peers — by loving what I do, and by refusing to accept “no” as a final answer. Starting from the ground up, I prioritized to gain experience across the entire value chain: from equipment manufacturing to plant erection, from feasibility studies and licensing processes to financing, construction, operation, maintenance and rehabilitation. Each project — often lasting several years — strengthened my understanding of the sector’s technical, financial and human dimensions.

There is a common prejudice that hydropower is a male domain. I strongly disagree. Women bring meticulousness, attention to detail and at the same time the ability to see the bigger picture. As women, our capacity to multitask and manage complexity is a strength in a sector as dynamic and demanding as ours.

On this International Women’s Day, I would like to encourage more women to join the hydropower and renewable energy sectors, not only to build successful careers but to actively contribute to increasing renewable energy production and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. The energy transition needs diversity, inclusion and strong female leadership.  

I am proud to be part of a sector that generates clean energy from water and I am equally proud to stand as a woman within it.