In İzmir, the lives of Yasemin and Nergis have been profoundly transformed through the support they received from UNHCR’s NGO partner, Support to Life (STL). Generous contributions from Germany, as well as other donors, enable UNHCR and its partners to provide refugees and others fleeing war and persecution with access to protection and life-saving services in Türkiye.
Yasemin; a mother empowering for her children
Yasemin arrived in Türkiye eight years ago, escaping the turmoil in Aleppo, Syria. Her initial days were marked by distress and a sense of hopelessness. This was the time when she reached out to STL for support . “Before meeting with STL, I felt like I was on the brink of death. I couldn’t even manage daily tasks,” she recalls.
The psychological counseling she received played a pivotal role in her recovery. “Thanks to this support, I started visiting the hospital and got my medications. The psychological counselling sessions were something I eagerly awaited every week,” Yasemin shares.
Beyond this counseling, Yasemin participated in educational workshops on women’s rights and empowerment, where experts provided sessions focusing on gender equality and protection mechanisms. “Before these trainings, I was unaware of women’s rights and didn’t know how strong women can be. We have learned that any kind of violence should be eliminated, and everyone has the right to live free from fear. I have made friends and gained a sense of community here. I don’t feel alone anymore.”
This newfound knowledge extended to her role as a mother. Yasemin gained important information on child rights and child protection too. She now educates her children about their rights and the importance of respect and equality, aiming to empower them to overcome challenges, establish a life for themselves, make their own decisions, and contribute meaningfully to society. “My children are very happy to see their mother learning new things. This has had a positive impact on our family dynamics.”
Nergis’s Path to Independence
Nergis has been in Türkiye for twelve years, arriving while seven months pregnant. Initially struggling with the adjustment, she found solace and strength through the support of STL. “The psychological support I received made me feel much better. Participating in activities and trainings helped me regain my confidence and sense of normalcy,” she explains.
Nergis says that educational sessions on women’s and refugee rights were eye-opening and empowering. “In these sessions, we talked about equality, respecting everyone’s rights and how to defend ourselves. I have learned that it is not someone else’s, but my responsibility to defend for myself when needed. Now, I feel like I can take charge of my own life.”
Her husband’s illness often leaves her as the sole caretaker and breadwinner for the family. The activities she participates in, such as gardening and crafting, provide not just a therapeutic outlet but also a source of community and social interaction. “These activities make me feel better, different from our daily routine. We talk with people and socialize, which is very uplifting.”
Her newly acquired skills, including learning to ride a bicycle, have given her a newfound sense of freedom and mobility. “Now, I can ride a bike around the city. It’s a small victory, but it means so much to me.”
The stories of Yasemin and Nergis underscore the transformative power of the support provided by UNHCR Türkiye and its partners. This assistance, made possible by the generous contributions from Germany and UNHCR’s other reliable donors, supports people who had to flee their homes by providing protection, psychological support, and social cohesion to build a new life.
With the support of its donors and partners, UNHCR Türkiye aims to ensure that refugees and persons in need of international protection have access to vital services to support them to become active, contributing members of society.
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