“Women Tell Their Stories” Booklet Is Now Published!

The exhibition booklet of the “Women Tell Their Stories” project, which we carried out as MaviKalem in Hatay following the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake, has been published.

Since the earthquake, through our “Women Start Their Own Business” program in Hatay, MaviKalem has been supporting both women’s empowerment and the rebuilding of Hatay. So far, 82 women have started and/or expanded their businesses through this initiative.

The Women Tell Their Stories project features five volunteer women from this program who chose to share their personal journeys — their post-earthquake struggles, self-discovery, and the desire to inspire other women through their stories.

Through their own words and artistic works, the women conveyed their emotional experiences and journeys of regaining strength.

Following the collage workshops and the exhibition, their artworks and narratives have now come together in the pages of this story book.

The women who participated in the workshop expressed their feelings as follows when they received the booklet:

Şirin:
“When I saw my paintings in the booklet, I got very emotional and incredibly happy. This exhibition has been one of the most meaningful things in my life since the earthquake. I felt proud of myself and each woman involved. This exhibition and booklet reminded me of the strength I had forgotten. No matter what, we will continue to be strong.”

Ebru:
“When I held the booklet in my hands, I thought, ‘They truly valued our efforts and spared no expense in making it accessible to others.’ That makes you feel appreciated. I proudly donated one copy to the library of our village school.”

Burcu:
“I was able to get two copies of the booklet. One I keep at home for my children as a memory, and the other is at my office. I proudly show our works to everyone who visits. Everyone loves them. It is a beautiful feeling to show your own creations.”

Zarife:
“I could not believe it when I saw the booklet. I was so happy. It helped me better appreciate all the effort we put in.”

Hülya:
“I was very moved when I saw the booklet. My story and my artwork are in it… That made me so happy.”

Prepared in both Turkish and English, the booklet not only highlights the post-earthquake journeys of women from Hatay, but also aims to provide hope and inspiration to all women who have experienced similar challenges.

You can find the booklet and more details

StoryBook

The workshops were led by painter/sculptor Meryem Tomak.

The Women Tell Their Stories project was implemented by MaviKalem with the support of the Irish Embassy.