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Balikesir: Women Workshop

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The Women's Workshop is a participatory initiative aimed at strengthening women's effective participation in decision-making processes and public life. Launched on November 25, 2024, at the Balıkesir Avlu Congress and Culture Center in collaboration with the Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality and the Balıkesir Citizens' Council, it adopted a multi-stakeholder approach. 

The workshop process was conducted with the active participation of approximately 600 women across six thematic tables, and systematic data was collected through academic moderators and rapporteurs. This structure ensured that women's suggestions were not only voiced but also transformed into concrete policies and projects. Workshop outcomes: Women's Labor Market, Women's Labor Communication Office, Women's Cooperative Meetings, Market 2025 and 2026 Events, ONKADIN Orchestra, Women's Band (Türkiye's first women's band), No Passage for Violence! Event, No Bus Stop for Women Application, free psychological support at the Family Support Center, Meeting with Women Muktars Event, and Manyas Women's Life Center. 

Women's associations, cooperatives, and academic institutions were included in the process, and the preparation process for the Local Equality Action Plan was initiated through multi-stakeholder meetings and integrated with the UNFPA Women-Friendly Cities Project. In particular, with the Women's Labor Market, approximately 1000 women have turned their labor which was confined to the home into economic gain by marketing their products. 

The communication strategy for the initiative was implemented through social media, the municipal website, local press, and the university; participants were informed throughout the process and actively involved. Evaluation mechanisms were provided through rapporteur records, monitoring meetings, and stakeholder feedback, and the data obtained was used to develop new activities and action plans. The Women's Workshop increased the visibility of women in the economic, social, and public spheres; contributed to the institutionalization of participatory democracy mechanisms; and offered a flexible model that can adapt to changing needs. 

This practice is a sustainable and transferable participation model that sets an example in terms of gender equality and inclusive local governance, and was implemented for the first time in Balıkesir. As a result, the Women's Workshop Final Report was prepared and submitted to the Mayor for approval for concrete implementation.

Learn more about: http://balikesirkentkonseyi.org/ 

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