Photo by RET

Article by Jean Baptiste Gihugu, Project Communications Officer – EMEAA

MARDIN AND KILIS, TÜRKIYE – In 2024, RET International implemented a vital project, “Local Women’s Socio-Economic Empowerment and Social Skills Development as a Tool for Social Cohesion and Youth Empowerment“, in Mardin and Kilis, Türkiye. This initiative aimed to improve the resilience and wellbeing of vulnerable women. The project specifically targeted vulnerable refugee (50%) and host community (50%) women aged 16-55, with the goal of building their employability and income generation prospects, alongside raising awareness of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) issues.

A total of 1,740 women were targeted under this component. Key activities included Seminars on Business Opportunities, which reached 294 women. These seminars provided valuable tools for economic independence, covering professional skill development, self-confidence, leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Participants reported increased access to job opportunities and improved financial management.

The project also delivered Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), with workshops in areas like Natural Soap Making, Handmade Doll Making, and Block Printing/Natural Painting. A sewing course was also organized. These courses trained 94 women, surpassing the initial target. The TVET programs equipped women with vocational skills, business management, marketing, and production techniques, enabling them to explore new avenues like cooperative production.

Photo by RET

Furthermore, Awareness Raising Sessions on SGBV and SRH reached 1,454 women. These sessions aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of their rights, risks of SGBV, and available support services, while also fostering social cohesion between Syrian and Turkish women. Feedback indicated enhanced knowledge and psychological/social benefits.

Participants often face significant barriers to employment, including gender roles, skill gaps, family responsibilities, and limited access to resources. The project’s comprehensive approach directly addressed these issues, helping women overcome obstacles and pursue greater opportunities.

A notable outcome is the “Leap Women Entrepreneurship Production and Management Cooperative”, founded in January 2021 by women participants with RET’s support. Their products, marketed under the brand “Leap Natural”, include natural soaps, handmade textile items, and wooden printed decorations. Leap Natural sells products via its website — https://www.leapnatural.com –, online stores like Etsy, and social media platforms. They have also opened a store in Mardin and are featured on the Anadoludakiler website — https://anadoludakiler.org . Collaborations with private sector partners like Cups & Clouds and Zeta Collection have significantly contributed to the cooperative’s economic growth and market reach.

Through skill-building, training, and cooperative support, the project has strengthened women’s economic independence, increased workforce participation, and fostered empowerment, contributing positively to their lives and local economies.

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