Women Write Beautiful Stories!

We continue to implement “Women Write Beautiful Stories” information kit which we developed in 2021 with a woman-to-woman information dissemination technique to prevent violence against women. In this project, women learn about their legal rights against violence and share them with each other.

In 2022, MaviKalem developed the “Women Write Beautiful Stories” workshop, which aims to raise awareness among women about violence against women. This tool, “Women Write Beautiful Stories,” is used in our project to prevent gender-based violence. In our work with this tool, women discuss their legal rights against violence and the conditions and methods under which they can exercise these rights.

We held eight workshops as part of the “Women Write Beautiful Stories” workshops, which we launched in July. A total of 64 women participated. Each workshop allowed women to express themselves and share their experiences.

The workshops provided information about the mechanisms, practices, and institutions available to women in cases of violence. The KADES and Vodafone Red Light applications were emphasized. Information was provided on the 155 Police hotline, women’s shelters, legal aid, and social support mechanisms. The women learned that no woman or child subjected to violence in Turkey is left on the streets, and that the state provides various forms of assistance, including food, rent, and cash support. It was also emphasized that migrant and refugee women also have the right to protection against violence and will not be deported for reporting.

Many women said they were hearing about the KADES app for the first time: some shared their past difficult situations, saying, “I wish I’d known I could call 155 back then!” Others expressed fears such as, “I have two children, I don’t work, will I end up on the streets?” or “I’m Syrian, will I be deported if I complain?” These statements illustrated how a lack of knowledge and distrust in the face of violence influences women’s behavior.

By the end of the sessions, the women realized they were no longer alone and had many options. Participants shared their learning with statements like, “We learned about women’s rights!”, “I heard about the shelter for the first time!”, “The KADES app can help against all forms of violence!”, and “No to violence! No to bullying!” Some women said they can now support those experiencing violence in their communities and, if necessary, contact the police or social services centers. Our workshops with women will continue.