Turkish university ranks 2nd in Facebook competition

Turkey's Middle East Technical University's social responsibility project for women came in second in a Facebook-initiated international competition, the university announced on Sunday.

Initiated by Facebook in fight against the violence and hatred across the world, the team of 14 students ranked second with "Just a Girl" project in Facebook Global Digital Challenge, the university said on its website.

"Kız Başına (Just a Girl) Project of ODTU, with coordinatorship of Instructor Yeşim Çaplı, took second place and was presented with certificate and $3000 awards. The project was selected from 50 teams who participated this term, implementing real solutions in each of their communities over a two to three-month period," it said.

Contesting against 46 universities from 26 countries, the team received the second prize in a ceremony held in Washington.

Launched with the aim of spreading awareness, informing the public on various key social issues that centered on women, the award winning project also focuses on a wide range of related issues, from online oppression of women, to domestic and rape violence, to child abuse prevention education for mothers and teachers, it added.

As part of the projects, the student got into contact with pharmacists, teachers and coiffeurs responsive to women's problems across the country.

They utilized the social media to say what should be done to protect women and children facing violence, abuse and rape.

Raising the awareness about women right, the students told the inspirational stories of women rebelling against barriers and oppression.