Kırsal Kesimdeki Kadınların Güçlendirilmesi

Background

Adiyaman has 50% poverty rate and women are most-affected by it. In Hatay, the workforce participation rate among women is 32%. In both provinces of Turkey, agricultural sector, local organic farming especially, has the potential to support women’s economic empowerment.

Project Goals

• In Hatay and Adiyaman:
  • A production workshop will be established and 2 women entrepreneurship models will be created.
  • 100 women will earn income by working in these initiatives.
  • 500 women will be informed about agricultural production, supports and entrepreneurship.
  • 100 women will organize as “local women’s groups”.
  • These groups will not only determine the needs of women living in the rural areas but also help them reach the needed services.

Project Results

• More than 100 women were organized around the Defnesu Production and Training Workshop built in Hatay.
• 60 women started earning income from the Hatay workshop where more than 15 tons of fruits and plants were processed.
• 15 women were organized in Adıyaman to conduct supply and processing work.
• 615 women were trained in subjects such as leadership and organization, financial literacy, agricultural production and organic farming.
• Needs assessment surveys were conducted with 381 women.

Testimonials

“I am married and have two children. I’d never worked anywhere before. I was a housewife; I was always at home and never went out. When the Yesilpinar Association of Social Support and Solidarity for Women was opened, I got involved and began working here. After I began working here, I met more people, I became more social. Also, because we make all the decisions together at the association, I never feel as if I am working.”

Project Beneficiary

“I took part at the training offered by the project; then they encouraged us and we began organic farming. Our land is planted with persimmons, quinces, pomegranates and apples. At first we had some loss but we didn’t give up. Now it’s going well, and this year’s harvest was very good. Like every woman, I always wanted to have a job. Now I have my own business and I take care of it all by myself.”

Project Beneficiary

“At the end of the project, the women created a common spirit; they learned to act and solve their problems together. Here, women who had always stayed at home and looked after their children began learning about business. After the training, their views of social issues changed as well. Now they are more conscious in their behavior towards each other, their spouses and their families.”

Local Project Coordinator