Üsküdar: “Günümüz Var” I Ladies' Day Gathering

Günümüz Var is an innovative practice by Üsküdar Municipality consisted of a series of activities designed to strengthen women's social participation, access to information, and direct engagement with local governance. It reimagines the traditional Turkish "Gün" gatherings as a modern participatory governance and social support platform, enhancing women's social inclusion, community solidarity, and direct communication with municipal authorities. Üsküdar, with over 500,000 residents across 33 neighborhoods, has 65+ residents accounting for 11.9% of the population, and women outnumber men by 14,791. In neighborhoods with a high concentration of older residents, the proportion of women living alone is relatively high, highlighting the importance of initiatives that promote social support, solidarity, and civic participation.

The first gathering took place in August 2025, followed by meetings in December 2025 and February 2026. From 2026 onward, events are held monthly, with participation tracked through the Culture Affairs Directorate's reservation system; walk-in attendees are also welcomed, and catering is planned with buffer capacity. At each gathering, women interact directly with experts in law, health, and psychology and communicate requests, complaints, and suggestions to the Mayor and municipal administration. A 40-minute Q&A session is followed by a cultural performance by the Roma Orchestra, enhancing the event's social and cultural dimension. The entire organization is coordinated by the Culture Affairs Directorate and funded through municipal resources, ensuring financial sustainability.

Participant feedback is incorporated into future events, allowing the practice to adapt to evolving needs and establish a strong communication channel between citizens and local government. Regular gatherings contribute to the institutionalization of participatory democracy at the local level and reinforce an inclusive, accessible, and citizen-oriented governance approach. Health awareness sessions support SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being, while promoting equal access to information and decision-making, particularly for socially isolated women, aligns with SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities.

Interest in the practice has guided other municipalities, promoting the spread of good practices. this way, Günümüz Var offers a pioneering model that combines traditional solidarity with modern participatory governance and awareness-raising objectives.

Learn more about: https://uskudarkultursanat.com/