Let the Women’s Wheel Turn – Economic Empowerment of Women in Hatay

Let the Women’s Wheel Turn – Economic Empowerment of Women in Hatay

Impact Measurement Report Published!

In Hatay, following the earthquake, some women attempted to establish their businesses in tents, containers, or corners of their homes. Some sold their products at stalls, while others shared them on social media. During this process, while some women were trying to sell what they produced, others first realized that what they were doing was actually a “business.”

The “Let the Women’s Wheel Turn – Economic Empowerment of Women in Hatay” initiatives, carried out by MaviKalem, were conducted alongside women producing under various conditions in Hatay following the February 6^th earthquakes. The women’s experiences in starting a business, the challenges they faced, and the transformations they underwent over time were at the heart of this study.

The women’s business stories, products, and sales channels were shared through the kadinisi.org website and the project’s Instagram and Facebook accounts. During campaign periods, the women amplified each other’s posts via a WhatsApp network and social media; visibility evolved into a collective effort over time.

Many women producers—from those making local products at home to those producing hand-crafted items, and from those selling in container workplaces, to women working in various service sectors—became a part of this process. The activities were continued under the “Let Women Build Their Business Program”, with steps aimed at strengthening women’s ways of generating income.

The “Economic Empowerment of Women in Hatay” Project was implemented between August 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. Within the scope of the “Let Women Access Income” program, 82 women who were provided with material and equipment support became active participants in this initiative. Information sharing and solidarity were fostered through both digital and face-to-face meetings.

The social impact of this process on women has been documented in the newly prepared Impact Measurement Report. The report reveals how women’s relationship with visibility has changed, how their self-confidence has strengthened, and how solidarity has flourished on common ground.

You can access the full Impact Measurement Report here:  SIAR.pdf