The project is named “Hand in Hand,” symbolizing the empowerment of women, improvement of individual and household income, female solidarity, and the harmonious development of local businesses. INGEV kicked off the project in November 2022 in Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, and Mardin within the “Strong Civic Space for Gender Equality” implemented by UN Women Türkiye with the financial support of the European Union. The project also focuses on increasing employment opportunities for women affected by the earthquakes.
The “Hand in Hand” project centers on the needs of NEET women aged 18-29, aiming to enhance their vocational skills through online and on-site training activities. The initiative has conducted needs analyses and provided training sessions, mentorship, and consultations, contributing to employment in these three regions.
The project commenced with a comprehensive needs analysis, shedding light on the urgent and critical vocational and post-earthquake needs of NEET women, focusing on the three project cities. According to the analysis:
- 71% of previously employed NEET women who are currently unemployed attribute their absence from the workforce to low wages, with 59% mentioning working without insurance and 26% citing caregiving responsibilities
- 79% of job-seeking NEET young women are uncertain about where to seek support to enter the workforce
- 59% of job-seeking NEET young women rely on acquaintances for job searches, with only 13% utilizing online platforms
- Only 11% claim proficiency in writing a CV, while 10% feel confident in a successful job interview
- Only 6% of these women are informed about vocational training or internship opportunities.
- 53% of women express a need for support in finding employment, while 45% require assistance in vocational training
The project is implemented with local governments, civil society organizations, business associations, public representatives, universities, and other stakeholders. The “Hand in Hand” project, emphasizing the linkage of education with employment, also provides individual, goal-oriented consultations for these young women.
