International Migrant Women s Solidarity Association

Aim of the project: The main objective of the project is to empower women and girls in the context of international migration by promoting human rights, especially freedom of expression, improving democratic participation and accountability, increasing their influence in decision-making processes and strengthening civil society against gender equality. The project aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment where women's voices are heard, their contributions are valued, and women actively participate in shaping their communities and societies. Through a combination of education, awareness campaigns, leadership development and collaborative building, the project aims to achieve a more egalitarian and democratic society that respects diversity, encourages active participation and upholds fundamental rights.

Our association has a different perspective that distinguishes it as the ideal candidate to carry out this project. As UGKDD/IMWSA, as a leading rights-based organization with a gender perspective, we have gained an important place in the empowerment of local, refugee and migrant women in the context of Turkey. What makes us different is not only our mission but also our foundation: We are the first and only women's organization that was established specifically to combat violence against women, uniting local, refugee and migrant women as our founders and members.

Since our establishment, our approach has been distinguished by genuine collaboration with these women. This integral partnership shapes every aspect of our business. By actively involving local, refugee and migrant women in our network, we strengthen their organizational capacity. This participatory approach allows us not only to identify their challenges and needs, but also to collaboratively design strategies that transcend the traditional buyer-provider dynamic.

Our uniqueness stems from our commitment to breaking down barriers between service providers and the people they serve. Instead, we foster an environment where women are co-creators of solutions, where their voices and experiences are central to the design and implementation of our project. This positioning ensures that the results of our project are not just interventions, but permanent transformations fueled by the energy and insights of the women they empower.

Target groups: 

Our project aims to directly impact a wide range of individuals and organisations:

Refugee and Migrant Women: Our primary focus is to empower the 80 refugee and migrant women who have chosen Turkey as their new home for various reasons. We aim to give them social and cultural strength, to enable them to participate in various fields, to develop a sense of belonging and to increase their general quality of life.

Families and Children: The positive effects of empowering women will naturally be reflected in their families and children. A stronger and more engaged group of women often leads to better family dynamics and better educational opportunities for children.

Educational Institutions: Universities play a vital role in shaping societal perspectives and attitudes. We see them as a very important target group for cooperation aimed at promoting awareness, understanding and initiatives on gender equality and participation.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Collaborating with like-minded NGOs will increase our impact. By collaborating with NGOs that share our goals, we can pool resources, share information, and build a stronger and united front against discrimination and inequality.

Public and Local Institutions: Very important in creating an enabling environment for change. Working with these organizations, we seek to influence policies, practices and norms to ensure a more equitable and inclusive society.

In summary, the target groups of our project encompass a wide range of individuals and organizations, each of which is an integral part of achieving our vision of empowerment, participation and social transformation. 

 Planned Activities:

1. Empowering Women's Voices:

- Workshops and trainings will be organized in order to improve the communication and advocacy skills of women and to enable them to express their views on human rights and democratic values ​​effectively.

- An online platform will be created where women can share their personal stories, views and experiences on freedom of expression, discrimination and social issues.

- Awareness campaigns will be conducted using art, media and storytelling to make women's voices heard and to raise public awareness of the importance of different perspectives.

2.Increasing Participation in the Decision-Making Process:

- Collaborate with local, community leaders and relevant stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that promote the inclusion of women in decision-making processes.

- Leadership training programs will be organized to equip women and girls with the necessary skills for active participation in various fields such as politics, economy and social development.

- Mentoring programs will be created to bring experienced female leaders together with newcomers to encourage knowledge transfer and leadership development.

3.Strengthening Civil Society Against Polarization:

- Dialogue and networking activities will be implemented with a focus on creating collaborative efforts with Universities, NGOs, Public and Local Institutions to counter social polarization and discrimination.

- Educational campaigns will be developed that promote tolerance against discriminatory discourse, diversity and the importance of open dialogue.

- A training booklet set consisting of 3 booklets will be created for non-governmental organizations to implement community participation projects that address issues of discrimination and polarization.

Through this project, the International Association for the Solidarity of Migrant Women aims to empower women and girls, enhance democratic participation, and counter social polarization and discrimination. By creating an enabling environment for women's voices, promoting their engagement in decision-making, and fostering civil society cooperation, the project will contribute to a more inclusive and democratic society that values diversity and equality.

Our project is rooted in a strong commitment to human rights and democratic values. By providing platforms for women's voices to resonate, we recognize the inherent value of every individual's perspective, fostering confidence and representation.

Empowerment acts as a catalyst for positive societal transformation. As women's participation in decision-making increases, we

establish the groundwork for equitable governance and policy outcomes, translating into broader representation and balanced progress. Transparent and participatory processes underlie our pursuit of democratic accountability. Elevating marginalized voices connects lived experiences with policy reform, bridging the gap between individual aspirations and institutional actions.

Transparent and participatory processes underlie our pursuit of democratic accountability. Elevating marginalized voices connects lived

experiences with policy reform, bridging the gap between individual aspirations and institutional actions.

The project's impact extends beyond its immediate scope, triggering change across families, communities, and nations. A strengthened

civil society not only combats polarization but also safeguards democratic values from erosion.

 In order to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our participation project, we will appoint two dedicated professionals to oversee the entire process within our association's consultation and solidarity center. These colleagues will assume responsibility for project coordination. Consequently, our solidarity groups, formed through WhatsApp based on spoken languages within the Association, our collaborations with local governments and institutions, involvement in the feminist movement, and connections within women's solidarity networks, ranging from participation in shelter congresses to collaborations with women's associations within the Turkish Refugee Council, will work cohesively under their guidance to successfully execute our participation project across all relevant domains. Their exemplary leadership will play a pivotal role in supporting this crucial initiative, which holds paramount importance for our Association.

In summary, our project's multifaceted approach aims to create lasting change by empowering women, enhancing democratic engagement, and fostering an inclusive society.

 Project risks and mitigations:

1. Risk of Stakeholder Resistance: Resistance may come from conservative groups or individuals who oppose women's empowerment and increased participation.

Mitigation: A communication strategy will be established to address concerns and misunderstandings, through proactive dialogue with potential opposition and highlighting the benefits of the project for social cohesion and society in general.

2. Risk of Lack of Participation: Women may hesitate to participate for cultural, social or personal reasons.

Mitigation: Culturally sensitive and inclusive outreach strategies will be developed. Collaborate with local influencers, leaders and community members to support and encourage the participant. Travel expenses will be covered by the project budget in order to support their participation in activities for the economically disadvantaged participants.

3.Risk of Digital Divide: Online platforms may not be accessible to all participants, especially those with limited digital literacy or resources.

Mitigation: Offline alternatives will be provided for participation such as community meetings, workshops and paper-based materials. Digital literacy training will be offered to bridge the gap.

4.  Risk of Security and Privacy Concerns: Sharing personal stories online can lead to privacy violations or potential harm, especially for immigrant women.

Mitigation: Strong data protection measures will be implemented. You will also be presented with options for anonymous participation or nicknames.

5. Risk of Political Instability: Political changes or instability may affect the support and operations of the project.

Mitigation: The political environment will be monitored and strong relationships will be established with various stakeholders, including international organizations, to maintain project continuity

Expected results:

-         Increased awareness and understanding of human rights, freedom of expression, and the importance of women's participation in decision-making processes.

-         Improved skills in communication, advocacy, and leadership among women and girls, resulting in increased representation in various sectors.

-         Strengthened collaboration among civil society groups, contributing to a more cohesive and pluralistic society that actively combats polarization and discrimination.