Day 23

8 minutes of vocational training for refugee women in Turkey

Empowering Syrian women for the future Empowering Syrian women for the future

Growing through education and developing visions

Imagine having to leave your home behind. Forced to flee to a foreign country with little more than the clothes on your back. That's what happened to Dua. After arriving in Izmir, she completed a training program for textile trades and is now a qualified textile specialist. "I never thought I would be able to make beautiful things and earn a living doing something I love. Thanks to the program, I discovered new talents and met other women who share my passion. I made new friends, now feel more confident and have a sense of purpose and achievement." Dua now works in a studio and can support her family financially.

Eva Dölker-Heim presents her favourite project

need

Education and empowerment of refugee women in Izmir

activity

The project provides space in a protected environment to conduct courses and training to empower refugee women

Measurable performance

Number of training hours and available training places

Result

Women increase their self-confidence, creativity and social responsibility and are able to lead self-determined lives

Systemically relevant impact

Women are given improved opportunities to participate in working life and are able to develop further perspectives for themselves

background

Turkey has hosted over 3.6 million Syrian refugees since 2011 (UNHCR 2023). In many provinces, newly arriving refugees from Syria have not been registered since 2017. Syrian refugees in Turkey often have “tolerated” status and therefore no rights or even a work permit (Adoptarevolution, 2023). As a result, women among Syrian refugees often experience social isolation, lack of access to education and limited economic opportunities. Social isolation can lead to increased stress, anxiety and depression, which impacts the well-being of women, their children and families (Heinrich Böll Foundation, 2018). The lack of positive female role models can perpetuate the cycle of poverty and underdevelopment by discouraging the motivation and aspirations of younger generations. In addition, the lack of economic opportunities for women can perpetuate their marginalized status and limit their ability to contribute to their families and communities, which can lead to a decline in household income and economic instability (Dackweiler et al., 2020). With vocational training, Syrian women are more likely to find employment and thus achieve financial independence for themselves and their families. With regular employment, not only is their social status improved, but self-esteem and well-being also increased. Which in turn leads to being able to develop a stronger sense of belonging to society. In summary, empowering Syrian women has a lasting effect in improving their own lives and the lives of their families.

The good deed

Your donation today supports a training program in the textile sector, which includes courses in sewing, pattern making, embroidery, product knowledge, economics and ecology. Syrian women in Izmir with a refugee background can take part. The donation will cover the costs of materials, equipment, trainers and administration. The good deed aims to empower Syrian refugee women by providing them with valuable skills, knowledge and resources. The aim is for these women to then find secure employment. If they wish, they can take advantage of further offers for entrepreneurship or personal development. By achieving financial independence and contributing financially within their families and communities, the women can strengthen their self-confidence, social status and inclusion in society. Young Syrian generations are inspired by receiving positive role models and gender stereotypes are broken down. Ultimately, the good deed contributes to building a more inclusive and fairer society for all.