The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is a day declared by a UN General Assembly resolution in 1999 with the aim of creating awareness in society against violence against women. United Nations (UN) agencies operating in Turkey organized numerous events throughout December during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, within the scope of the UN Secretary-General’s UNITE to End Violence against Women Campaign. Activities carried out under the theme “Leave no one behind: End violence against women and girls” resonated throughout Turkey. As WALD, we organize events with women on this special day in order to contribute to the prevention of violence against women and the protection and development of women's rights both globally and in our country, and to raise awareness.
To support this campaign within the scope of the Social Protection Project, "Information Events Against Violence Against Women" were organized at the Gaziosmanpaşa, Sultangazi, Küçükçekmece, and Sancaktepe Social Protection Desks. Organized in two sessions with the participation of women from both refugee and host communities, the purpose of the events was to inform and raise awareness among women regarding violence against women and the steps to be taken in cases of violence.
During the events organized by expert psychologists, information was shared regarding the definition of violence, types of violence against women, the effects of violence, the effects of violence against women on children, institutional mechanisms in the fight against violence against women, protective orders, reporting procedures, the protection of the family, the law on the prevention of violence against women, and application methods. In addition, information was provided about institutional mechanisms in combating violence against women—such as Centers for Preventive and Monitoring of Violence (ŞÖNİM), Initial Reception Units, Women's Shelters, Provincial Directorates of the Ministry of Family and Social Policies, Social Service Centers, and ALO 183—and the services offered in these units were explained. Progressing interactively, the events concluded with information provided to participants about the services rendered at the Social Protection Desks and expressions of gratitude from the women.
Attention-Building Activities with Children
Attention deficit causes children to experience problems not only at school but also in their daily lives. Unless treated using appropriate methods, children cannot overcome this problem, and it is likely that they will turn into children who push boundaries, do not obey rules, fail to fulfill their responsibilities, and exhibit behavioral problems. Alongside receiving professional support regarding attention deficit, paying attention to certain points at home and in the flow of daily life, and trying to cope with this problem as a team effort, is the preferred ideal situation.
An attention-building event was organized with children identified with attention deficit problems among the clients of the Kağıthane Social Protection Desk. The purpose of the event is to support the attention-building process of children who have attention deficit problems and have had to weather many hardships in their lives since migrating from their countries. Beginning with a warm-up game played with the children, the event involved observing the children while performing a series of exercises aimed at improving their focus duration and capability. Aiming simultaneously at the development of the children's cognitive skills, the event also contributed to the enhancement of the children's social cohesion through attention-building group games at the end. During the event, parents also had the opportunity to consult with our expert psychologists regarding the issue.
