Project Summary
Grantee	: Foundation for the Support of Women’s Work
Purpose	: Supporting women’s entrepreneurship in the agricultural sectors of Hatay and Adiyaman
Location	: Hatay, Adıyaman
Grant Amount	: 249.947 TL
Project Partner	: Yesilpinar Association of Social Support and Solidarity for Women, Besni Social Support and Solidarity Cooperative for Active Women
Period	: 8 July 2013 – 7 July 2014
Status	: Completed
Project Year	: 2013

Background

In statistical territorial unit including Hatay and Adiyaman (TR63 and TRC1), the participation of men in workforce is 71% and 73%, respectively; while it is 27% and 16% for women. The high potential of local and organic products in both regions provides significant opportunities for empowering women (Turkish Statistical Institute, 2012).

Project Goals

• In Hatay and Adıyaman:
  • The capacity of training/production workshops will be increased (increasing quality through product development workshops, finding new products and producers etc).
  • 120 women will generate income through their activities related to the workshop (as part of the workshop staff, supplier or collector).
  • 200 women will participate in technical trainings (organic farming, agricultural supports, food safety, climate change etc).
  • 100 women will participate in “empowerment trainings” (on issues such as leadership, organization etc).
  • Marketing and promotional activities will be conducted.

Project Results

• Women’s cooperatives and production/training workshops were established in Adiyaman and Hatay.
• 77 women started to gain income from the production and training workshops.
• New products have been added to the product range in the light of field research and marketing feedbacks.
• More than 100 women participated in technical and empowerment trainings such as organic agriculture, drying, hygiene, leadership, organization etc.
• Within marketing activities, the products started to be sold in some boutique restaurants, chain stores and on some websites.
• Promotional activities for the workshop have started (participating in fairs etc.).

Testimonials

"For years I cared for my mother, who was paralyzed. After her death, I applied to a few places but couldn’t find a job because of my age. Then I heard that Yesilpinar Association of Social Support and Solidarity for Women would be opened and I became a founding member. While I work here, I talk with my friends, do my housework and make an income as well."

Project Beneficiary

"Here, we are working to create a model in which any woman can come, gain knowledge, learn about farming subsidies, get training in organic farming, learn to harvest from the wild, gain an entrepreneurial spirit and become empowered in some way. In this sense, this project is not just about production; it’s also an educational project. Production is one output of the project, but for us, the empowerment of women is a greater output."

Project Coordinator