The Defne Women’s Cooperative (Defne Kadın Kooperatifi), founded by local women in Hatay, empowers women producers by offering both social and economic support. From locally made handicrafts to organic food products, the cooperative enables women to showcase and sell their goods through an online sales portal, creating sustainable income opportunities.
However, after the devastating earthquakes on February 6, 2023, the cooperative was forced to shut down due to severe damage to its buildings and equipment.
Our Support: Building Back Stronger
Thanks to the grant provided through our Regional Recovery Support Program, launched under the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake Emergency Relief Fund, Defne Women’s Cooperative has begun the process of rebuilding its workspace from the ground up. With this support, they have restored damaged equipment and resumed operations, marking an essential step toward economic recovery for the women and the community.
With additional support from the second phase of our Regional Recovery Support Program, the cooperative was able to complete critical renovations and acquire essential raw materials, increasing their production capacity, and allowing them to serve more women producers and reach a wider market.
Impact Beyond Recovery
In addition to physical reconstruction, the cooperative has prioritised empowering its members. With our support, they are running comprehensive workshops and offering expert guidance to enhance the skills of over 100 women, helping them to produce better-quality products and improve employment prospects. These efforts are not only rebuilding livelihoods but also fostering a sense of resilience and hope in the region.
The impact of this support goes far beyond the cooperative’s 33 core members. As one cooperative leader noted:
“This grant didn’t just support our 33 women members. It has touched the lives of 1,500 families here.”
Thank You to Our Donors
None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors. Your contributions are empowering women, revitalising local economies, and making a profound, lasting impact on countless lives. To learn more about the Defne Women’s Cooperative, watch our video interview to hear firsthand about their journey of resilience, hope, and the path to rebuilding.
