Services Centered on Women and Children in Esenyurt Discovered

To assess the services available to women in Esenyurt district of Istanbul and address observed needs, the "Women-Focused Coordination Meeting" took place on Oct.18 at Esenyurt DAB Hotel.

Attended by the World Academy of Local Government and Democracy Foundation (WALD) and various organizations devoted to assisting refugees in Istanbul, the meeting commenced with an opening speech emphasizing the objective to foster collaboration, mutual understanding, and coordinated services. The primary focus was on prioritizing women and children who have faced migration, conflict, trauma, and emergencies, especially in the wake of disasters. Discussions highlighted key initiatives, such as providing psychosocial support, food, and emergency aid following the February 6 Kahramanmaraş earthquake. Moreover, mobile office services aimed at both Turkish citizens and refugees were also shared during the session.

At a later stage of the meeting, Atty. Büşra Reisoğlu, representing WALD, shed light on the successful establishment of Women's Cooperatives in Gaziosmanpaşa and Sultangazi districts were WALD operates through social protection desks. The primary aim of these cooperatives is to offer support to women, fostering their economic independence and empowerment through collaborative efforts. Reisoğlu emphasized that these cooperatives intend to empower women by not only enhancing individual success but also fostering social solidarity.

A significant highlight of the meeting revolved around an in-depth discussion on the needs and challenges faced by women in the Esenyurt district. Institution representatives presented their ongoing endeavors, including programs focused on enhancing women's understanding of child development, organizing literacy courses, providing psychological counseling services, and establishing resilient women's cooperatives. The meeting served as a pivotal step in uniting institutions operating in the Esenyurt district, identifying common areas for collaboration, and ensuring streamlined coordination among the entities.