In awareness sessions held at Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality’s women’s life centres, different forms of violence and women’s experiences of resisting violence were discussed.
The Department of Women and Family Services aims, through activities organised as part of the 25 November International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to make women’s own experiences visible and to strengthen them in recognising violence, setting boundaries and accessing support mechanisms. In this context, awareness work is continuing with the active participation of women.
Forms of violence addressed
A total of 109 women took part in the meetings, which were held in three groups at Yeniköy Women’s Life Centre and in two groups at Koşuyolu Women’s Life Centre. The sessions addressed “Violence Against Women”, “Types of Violence” and “Support Mechanisms in Combating Violence”, emphasising that physical, psychological, economic, sexual and digital violence affect women’s lives in multiple ways. Together with the participants, it was discussed that behaviours such as verbal insults, economic restriction, threats, isolation, persistent stalking and digital control are all forms of violence.
Women shared their experiences of resistance
In the interactive sessions, women shared the forms of violence they face in their daily lives and the ways in which they resist. Participants spoke of examples of economic violence, such as being prevented from entering working life and having their spending limited, and expressed that the heavy burden of domestic care work (children, older relatives, cleaning, cooking, etc.) placed largely on their shoulders makes their lives more difficult. They also stated that the “invisible labour” they perform at home being treated as “women’s work” and going unacknowledged at times makes them feel devalued.
Awareness work to continue
The Department of Women and Family Services will continue its awareness activities aimed at strengthening women in the coming days at the Quça, Ben û Sen and Lalebey women’s life centres.
