Empowerment of Girls: The Key to Social Progress
On the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, SOYAÇ (Center for Street Living and Working Children Research and Implementation) operating within Maltepe University, draws attention to the challenges faced by girls and the importance of their empowerment. This special day provides an opportunity to advocate for girls' rights and emphasize the critical role of unleashing their potential in social progress.
The International Day of the Girl Child is not just a celebration but also a global call. This day highlights the systematic barriers and discrimination faced by girls and calls for action to strengthen their rights.
SOYAÇ Center Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökçesu Akşit made the following statement: "The empowerment of girls is a fundamental element that shapes the future of our societies. Every girl has the right to realize her potential, but this right is often ignored or obstructed. Every girl who is deprived of education, married early, exposed to violence, or unable to access health services represents a loss that affects not only her own life but the future of the entire society."
SOYAÇ emphasizes that investing in girls creates a multiplier effect:
Education: Educated girls become healthier and more productive adults, ensure their own children's education, and thus initiate generational change.
Economic empowerment: Girls' access to economic opportunities plays a critical role in reducing poverty and ensuring sustainable development.
Health: Prioritizing girls' health improves general public health and ensures healthier future generations.
Leadership and participation: Enabling girls to make their voices heard and participate in decision-making processes leads to more inclusive and fair policies.
Innovation and diversity: Encouraging girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics increases diversity in these fields and brings new perspectives.
SOYAÇ emphasizes the necessity of changing social norms, strengthening legal frameworks, and increasing investments for girls to unlock this potential. The Center reminds the importance of joint efforts between governments, civil society organizations, private sector, and individuals to achieve these goals. As part of the International Day of the Girl Child, a special event will be organized in collaboration between SOYAÇ and Yardım Konvoyu NGO operating in Üçgedik Mimar Sinan Temporary Living Center in Antakya district of Hatay. This event is being held in cooperation with the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services. A special dance performance prepared by girls affected by the February 6 earthquakes living in this container city will be presented, gifts will be distributed, and painting activities will be conducted. This performance represents an important opportunity to showcase girls' creativity, resilience, and hope even under challenging post-disaster conditions.
SOYAÇ Center Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökçesu Akşit stated: "The empowerment of girls is a fundamental element shaping the future of our societies, especially during post-disaster reconstruction. After traumatic events like earthquakes, girls often face greater risks. Every girl who is deprived of education, married early, exposed to violence, or unable to access health services represents a loss affecting not only her own life but the future of the entire society."
Meanwhile, as another activity within the SOYAÇ Meetings Series, the recording of the special presentation titled "The Value and Rights of the Child" by Prof. Dr. Belma Akşit on April 23 has been shared on the center's website. This valuable presentation provides in-depth information about children's rights and addresses specific challenges faced by girls.
On the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child, SOYAÇ invites all segments of society to take action for girls' empowerment and raise awareness on this issue. Akşit concluded her words by saying, "The empowerment of girls shapes not only their future but all of our futures. Supporting their potential is the key to building a more just, peaceful, and prosperous world."
We invite you all to become SOYAÇ Volunteers to learn more and support SOYAÇ's work.
SOYAÇ and Yardım Konvoyu Organize Awareness Event on International Day of the Girl Child
As part of their collaboration agreement, Maltepe University Center for Street Living and Working Children Research and Implementation (SOYAÇ) and Yardım Konvoyu NGO are organizing a special event at Üçgedik Mimar Sinan Temporary Living Center in Antakya district of Hatay on October 11, International Day of the Girl Child. Yardım Konvoyu's continuous presence and local connections in the earthquake zone play a key role in organizing the event. Girls affected by the February 6 earthquakes will present a special dance performance prepared with the support of Yardım Konvoyu. Additionally, with the contributions of the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services, gifts will be distributed to children and painting activities will be held. This event, as part of Yardım Konvoyu's sustainable support work in the disaster area, aims to highlight girls' creativity and resilience.
SOYAÇ and Yardım Konvoyu emphasize that empowering girls is critical for social progress, noting that investing in this area creates multiplier effects in education, economy, health, leadership, and innovation. Both organizations draw attention to girls being at greater risk during post-disaster reconstruction. In light of Yardım Konvoyu's field experience, they call for changing social norms, strengthening legal frameworks, and increasing investments for girls in collaboration with SOYAÇ. This partnership aims to lead the development of sustainable projects for empowering girls in disaster areas and mobilize all segments of society on this issue.
You can click here for detailed information and to access the recording of Prof. Dr. Belma T. Akşit's online seminar on 'The Value and Rights of the Child' as part of SOYAÇ Meetings.
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