The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
UNOPS to help restore protection services for women and girls in earthquake-affected Türkiye
UNOPS has partnered with national and international partners to build safe spaces and improve services for women and girls impacted by the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye.
In the aftermath of the 2023 earthquakes, women and girls across Türkiye have faced increased risks of violence and displacement. Many lost access to critical protection and prevention services – especially in regions already struggling with high migration and instability.
To address this urgent need, the government launched a new initiative in collaboration with UN Women, the European Union (EU) and UNOPS. The project, titled 'Restoring and strengthening preventive and protective services in response to violence against women affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye,' will build four new women's shelters in Adıyaman, Hatay, Istanbul and Kocaeli. It will also enhance the capacity of frontline responders and improve service delivery in affected regions.
"With this meaningful project, we aim to support women and girls who were directly affected by the earthquake and who live in provinces with high levels of migration," said Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Minister of Family and Social Services. "We will build new women's shelters, improve the existing ones and increase the quality of service through training for our staff,” she added.
These new shelters will provide safe spaces where women and children can find refuge, support and services that meet their needs.
At UNOPS, we're turning promises into reality – building safe spaces that enable women and children to feel secure and supported.
"Through this initiative, we are laying the foundation for recovery that is sustainable, inclusive and grounded in the needs of communities,” said Simonetta Siligato, Director of the UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office.
Advancing gender equality and community resilience will also be a main feature of the project.
"Since the earliest days of the earthquake, we have worked with partners to support women, children and service providers," said Maryse Guimond, UN Women Türkiye Country Director. "We are pleased to now advance these efforts through this sustainable approach."
Jurgis Vilčinskas of the EU Delegation to Türkiye reaffirmed this commitment: "Today, we are not just launching a project; we are reaffirming a promise. A promise that no survivor will go unheard, no child will remain unprotected and no woman will stand alone."
