A safe space comes before all else.
LEAP’s protection program is a holistic space where children come first, followed by women and young girls. We know all too well who the most vulnerable groups are in times of crisis and disaster; Türkiye’s gender inequality statistics and the patterns of violence that surface in the aftermath of disasters remind us daily why persistence in this field is not optional. Following the earthquakes of February 6, 2023, our protection work deepened both in urgency and in long-term recovery.
Our Approach
A child going to school, a woman feeling safe at home, a young person not being left alone on the street — for us, these are not separate issues; they are different faces of the same problem. Protection isn’t just about response; it becomes possible only alongside prevention, awareness-raising, safe-space building, and a community-based approach. That’s why we build our field teams in every province from experts who speak the languages needed and understand the local dynamics.
What We Do
Child Protection
- Prevention of early and forced marriages
- Awareness and response to child labor
- Safe spaces for children and adolescents
- Follow-up and referral to prevent school dropout
Women Protection
- Combating gender-based violence (GBV)
- 16 Days of Activism campaigns (every year, November 25 – December 10)
- Sexual and reproductive health information sessions
- Awareness work that also invites men and young men to the table
Individual Support Services
- Psychosocial support
- Legal counseling
- Case management and referral
- Acute psychosocial response programs following disasters