The Department of Women’s Policies continues its fieldwork to hear directly from women about their demands and needs. As part of its efforts to strengthen women’s solidarity and develop locally driven solutions, a meeting was held with women in Yeniköy Neighbourhood, in the Bağlar district.

The gathering, held at a private home in the neighbourhood, was attended by Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayor Serra Bucak, DBB Council Co-Spokesperson Demet Ceylan, council members and Özden Gürbüz Sümer, Head of the Department of Women’s Policies.

During the meeting, women shared the difficulties they face in their daily lives, as well as their neighbourhood’s needs and their expectations. The importance of developing solutions together and strengthening solidarity among women was also highlighted.

‘We know how valuable solidarity is’

Speaking at the opening of the gathering, Özden Gürbüz Sümer, Head of the Department of Women’s Policies, drew attention to the growing isolation women experience in their daily lives.

“For some time, we have wanted to meet with women not only in our centres but also in our neighbourhoods, to get to know one another, listen to their concerns and talk. We are becoming increasingly isolated in our daily lives. We know how valuable solidarity is and how much it benefits us. We wanted these gatherings to provide an opportunity for women to come together,” she said.

Co-Mayor Bucak: Our aim is to govern the city together

Emphasising the role of women in local government and the importance of grassroots organisation at neighbourhood level, Co-Mayor Serra Bucak said that the municipality’s work would continue neighbourhood by neighbourhood and street by street. Stressing that women should not feel alone, Co-Mayor Bucak said:

“We want our work in neighbourhoods and on the streets, for society and for women, to continue uninterrupted. Our aim and fundamental goal is to govern this city together. Let’s talk, discuss and work together to find solutions. What are the needs and problems in this neighbourhood? What steps can the Department of Women’s Policies take to address them? Let’s discuss these issues. Today, we want to listen to you. Violence against women is an extremely serious and important issue. We aim to ensure that women do not feel alone and to develop solutions to problems together.”

Women share their needs and proposed solutions

Taking the floor at the gathering, women spoke about the difficulties they encounter in their daily lives, shortcomings in their neighbourhood and their expectations regarding municipal services.

Their demands included inspections of workplaces, cleaning of the sewerage system, measures to address substance addiction, paving roads with paving stones, relocating animal shelters, environmental cleaning and pest control.

Other demands included expanding the Women’s Life Centre, placing greater emphasis on production facilities, establishing a sports centre, children’s playgrounds and a nursery, and creating employment opportunities.

The meeting concluded with discussions on ways to develop joint solutions based on the needs and proposals put forward by women.