İZMİR Women’s NGOs
UNJP Local Facilitator Semra Ulusoy talked to representatives from women’s NGOs in İzmir:
 İzmir is known to be a ‘wo-men-friendly city.’ But is it really true? The UNJP may be able to help us in finding the answer to this question. The UNJP will also help those responsible for İzmir to become a “women-friendly city,” i.e. the government, local governments, civil society and private sector, to be able to work together. This, in turn, will help women to be able to be active players in the transformation of the society. We, as an organization for women’s solidarity, are witnessing the power of women who are aware of their rights, and are using these rights to change and transform their lives. We truly appreciate the UNJP’s target for creating a joint platform, which will assist in making this power visible and effective. (Sevgi Alpsen, Binbir-İzmir Women’s Solidarity Association)
Problems regarding the human rights of women create crucial barriers for our country’s journey towards becoming a democratic and modern country. The UNJP served as a very important step in strengthening communication among various institutions, such as the governor’s offices, greater city municipalities, local governments and NGOs. This step will be a major contribution to the development of gender equality and the democratization of our country. Women need to participate further in the local decision making mechanisms, being part of the Provincial General Assemblies and the Municipal Assemblies. This could be achieved through raising awareness among women, about women’s problems in the society, and the importance of women’s participation in decision-making mechanisms. The UNJP grant programmes provide solutions to various problems the NGOs are facing in project management, such as financial restraints and difficulties in communicating certain institutions. We wish a better future through bringing projects to life that will support a transformation in society. (Agean Women’s Solidarity Foundation)
 We are aware of the gender inequality existent in our city, our region, our country and the world in general. We are aware that women and girls are exposed to all sorts of violence, that they are treated as sexual objects, that they don’t have economic freedom, and that women, girls and children are affected most from wars, poverty and hunger. In light of these, we, as BEKEV, believe that we can work in joint programmes with the UNJP, for women whose labor is exploited and who don’t have any social security, whether working at home or outside. We hope that these joint efforts will spark further efforts for women’s emancipation. (Buca Evka-1 Women’s Culture and Solidarity Association)
We are honored and delighted to be part of a project that has the same target as our association, promoting and protecting the human rights of women and girls. We believe that the UN Joint Programme will contribute immensely to our province. The supported projects will help positioning women as more aware, stronger and more modern, both in social and political spheres. We hope to be working together in present and future projects, and wish all the success to the Programme. (Engin Demir, Women’s Rights Association)
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