The “A Kitchen Story” project led by the “Leap Women’s Entrepreneurship, Production and Management Co-operative” and endorsed by RET and LEAP Turkiye aims to promote the socio-economic status of women and youth in Mardin, Turkiye while developing human capital.
The employment and economic participation rate for women is low in Mardin; women predominantly work in low-skilled, low-paid, or unpaid family businesses. The project “A Kitchen Story” aims to strengthen and grow the professional skills of women and young people and increase their employability while promoting an entrepreneurial culture and ensuring equality and access to #opportunities. Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) were provided to support women in earning a sustainable income, followed by the inauguration of a food-production atelier in the Savur District.
The participants of the atelier received training on food production, food security, occupational health and safety, entrepreneurship, cooperation, stock management and packing through a holistic approach, and began producing dried fruits and vegetables in the atelier. The vegetables and fruits used in the ateliers are provided by local farmers. In contrast, the project offers low-cost and organic fertilizers for the local farmers with the collaboration of the private sector to stop the use of harmful chemical fertilizers. The products are being sold through the “Leap Natural” brand, founded by RET’s women’s socio-economic empowerment programs in Turkiye.
The project also provides awareness-raising sessions on social cohesion and against gender-based violence to participants from the refugee and host communities in Mardin.
