In the bustling city of Gaziantep, Türkiye, Nur, a skilled hairdresser, has become a beacon of empowerment for many women. Nur’s journey to Türkiye began in 2014 when she and her family had to flee Syria. Leaving behind her life and thriving business in Aleppo, Nur arrived in Türkiye with her husband and six children, facing an uncertain future.
Despite the challenges, Nur was determined to rebuild her life. She soon discovered SGDD-ASAM, an NGO partner of UNHCR in Türkiye, which played a crucial role in supporting her to build a new life. Nur attended Turkish language courses, progressing from A1 to C1 levels[1], and participated in various meetings and trainings that introduced her to a supportive community.
Recognizing her need for psychological support, Nur received valuable assistance from SGDD-ASAM, which helped her regain her strength and focus. “The psychological counseling I received here helped me regain my grip on life,” Nur shares, highlighting the significance of this assistance.
Nur’s empowerment led her to join a women’s committee focused on addressing gender-based violence. While attending Turkish classes, Nur observed the committee meetings, gradually met the members, and listened to their activities. The guidance and support they provided profoundly impacted and motivated her to join the committee. “Now we continue to touch the lives of other women,” says Nur.
The committee works tirelessly to support women to empower themselves, ensuring they know their rights and how to access protection in Türkiye. Having participated in numerous courses and training sessions, Nur brings valuable insights and ideas to the table. She actively engages in efforts to prevent early marriage and supports women facing gender-based violence, providing them with critical information, and directing them to protection mechanisms.
Nur has also taken steps to further her personal and professional development. She participated in a cooperative focused on tailoring, textiles, and cooking. She also completed skin-care and computer courses, earning certificates that have been invaluable in enhancing her skills. These courses have not only contributed to her professional growth but also empowered her personally, providing her with the confidence and capabilities to navigate her new environment. Now, she dreams of teaching her craft as a hairdresser to young women, helping them gain skills and independence. She says; “Training programs organized for women are vital. They learn their rights and protection mechanisms against gender-based violence, acquire professional skills, and become empowered.”
With its long-standing partners like the European Union through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, UNHCR plays a pivotal role in Türkiye by enhancing refugees’ access to life-saving services, including registration and protection, and providing the resources they need to rebuild their lives. UNHCR’s collaboration with partners such as SGDD-ASAM empowers individuals like Nur to thrive and contribute to their communities. Nur’s story is a testament to the transformative power of support and education, illustrating how refugees can overcome challenges and make meaningful contributions to their new homes.
[1] The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CERF) organizes language proficiency in six levels, A1 to C2, which can be regrouped into three broad levels: Basic User(A1 & A2), Independent User (B1 & B2), and Proficient User, (C1 & C2).
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