Founded by young women determined to break the silence around menstruation, We Need to Talk Association (Konuşmamız Gerek Derneği) has grown into a powerful movement challenging period poverty and menstruation stigma in Türkiye. By encouraging open conversations around what is often treated as taboo, the association works to normalise menstruation and advance menstrual justice and gender equality.
We Need to Talk focuses on improving the accessibility, quality, and sustainability of period products, while raising awareness about the structural inequalities that turn menstruation into a source of exclusion for many women and girls. Today, the association is recognised as a strong and influential voice on menstrual justice in Türkiye.
With support from various partners, We Need to Talk has distributed over 1,25 million period products across 15 provinces, reaching more than 20,000 women and girls in the earthquake-affected regions through hygiene kits, workshops, and group sessions that combine menstrual health education with creative and well-being practices.
Our Support
After the February 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, menstrual health needs became even more urgent. The association shifted its focus to the affected regions, particularly Adana, a province shaped by migration, seasonal agricultural labour, and deep-rooted gender inequalities, and a key destination for those displaced by the earthquakes.
Through our grant and capacity development support, We Need to Talk opened a permanent field and coordination centre in Adana, strengthening its organisational capacity, sustaining field teams, expanding its reach, and remaining active long after the emergency phase.
With this support, We Need to Talk expanded its programmes, strengthened its digital presence, launched training and advocacy initiatives shaping local gender equality and menstrual health policies, and built local and national partnerships. Their work in Adana includes workshops combining menstruation with yoga, arts, creative writing, photography, and movement, creating safe and expressive spaces for young people, alongside volunteer programmes that deepen community engagement.
Thank You to Our Donors
The association continues to challenge silence with persistence and hope. They end every message with the words “By talking,” trusting that open dialogue can lead to real change.
Together with our donors, we are proud to support We Need to Talk Association in their fight against period poverty and menstruation stigma. Watch our video interview to hear their story in their own words.
