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Syrian and Şanlıurfa women empowered together
Visiting the GAP Administration Mehmet Parmaksız Multi-Purpose Community Centre (CATOM) where activities are undertaken to strengthen women’s social and economic skills, Mert Fırat took a tour of felt, handicraft and sewing workshops, and participated in the Turkish language course for Syrians.
At CATOM, an average of 400 women and children participate in the activities every week. The activities undertaken by UNDP and the GAP Regional Development Administration (GAP RDA) include the delivery of training to women on such revenue generating activities as production, sales and marketing. It is also aimed to enhance their role in the society and social cohesion.
Women comprise 45% of the over 1.5 million Syrians living in the Southeast Anatolia. Currently, Syrians make up 24% of the population in Şanlıurfa. Working to alleviate the impact of the forced migration, UNDP Turkey develops projects addressing concurrently the needs of Syrians and host communities. To date, more than 70 training programs have been delivered at 14 CATOMs, with participation of 1,900 Syrian women and 2,600 women of Şanlıurfa.
UNDP Turkey strives, along with its local, national and international stakeholders, to strengthen the institutional capacities of CATOMs through providing equipment and consultancy support.