Livelihood opportunities are essential to economic independence, especially for vulnerable groups, particularly refugee women. RET has been implementing the project “Multi-sectoral Approach for Fostering Resilience among Non-Syrian Refugee and Vulnerable Host Communities”, funded by the British Embassy in Ankara to support women from the host and refugee communities to learn languages, socialize and develop their technical and professional skills in RET’s Kayseri Atelier.
RET established the “Kayseri My Life Community Center” within the project activities. Following the vocational and technical training provided by RET, the 35 women participants in the center’s textile (sewing and embroidery) atelier started to deliver handmade products and earn a sustainable income. Together, they work hard to develop their skills by engaging in entrepreneurship, e-commerce, and social media training. They aspire to reach economic independence and realize their personalized dreams, but more importantly, they support and empower each other on personal levels.
The handmade textile products such as shirts, kimonos, aprons, and baby sets made by the women participants of the textile atelier are sold on the “Leap Natural” website (www.leapnatural.com) and via the Instagram account (@leapnatural). The Leap Natural brand was created within the framework of RET’s Women’s Socio-Economic Empowerment Program, and the income is distributed to the women.