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EPISODE 32 (MAY 23, 2010)

 THIS WEEK'S CHANGEMAKER: SENGUL AKCAR

Sabanci Foundation's "Turkey's Changemakers" TV program shares inspiring stories of individuals who make a difference in social and economic development.

The 32nd and final episode of Sabanci Foundation’s “Turkey’s Changemakers” tells the story of Sengul Akcar.

Sengul Akcar established the Foundation for the Support of Women’s Work (FSWW) in 1986 to economic independence of women, to improve their quality of lives and their leadership capacity. She then developed the first micro-credit project, Maya, in Turkey after 1999 Marmara Earthquake, which caused enormous devastation in Marmara Region. Maya gives small loans to low income women, and assists their small businesses. It was formed first in 2002 in Kocaeli, which is a small city in Marmara Region, and suffered the most devastating impacts of the earthquake.

Maya then became active in Istanbul, Duzce, Sakarya. The central office of Maya is in Istanbul and to date has given a total of 7 million Turkish Lira (4,422 million USD) in loans to low-income women.

FSWW also receives funding through the Sabanci Foundation’s Social Development Grant Program which helped start Mikronet: The Micro Entrepreneur Women’s Work Portal. Within the scope of Mikronet a work portal for entrepreneur women was developed and provides assistance for entrepreneur women through mentoring, communication and information services. Computer education is also provided for entrepreneur women who want to use this portal but do not know how to use a computer.

In addition to Maya and Mikronet projects, FSWW and Sengul Akcar develop and implement programs on early childhood education, capacity improvement, economic development, and disaster management, and work to expand them to the local levels. Last but not least, FSWW has provided 20 thousand women employment in 12 cities in Turkey.

For the written document of the program please click here...

For More Information:
Sabanci Foundation’s Social Development Grant Program

Turkey's Changemakers
Turkey's Changemakers
Turkey's Changemakers