Empowering Women: The Success Story of the Women Producers Development Project
The Women Producers Development Project is a joint initiative between the Develi District Governorship, Develi Municipality and Öksüt Madencilik, aimed at supporting women producers in the Develi district. The project provides a platform for women to sell food items, including vegetables, fruits, dairy products, bakery products and home-cooked food, and handicrafts, in a hygienic and inclusive environment.
The project was sparked when the Öksüt Environment and Social Governance Team visited the Develi District Governor and met a group of women who wanted to sell handmade dolls. In response, the team formulated a plan to establish a sustainable business platform and cooperative to support these women. To achieve this, a partnership with the Develi Public Education Center was formed to gain insight into their business practices and to provide training on various handicrafts and marbling art. The women who participated in the project received certificates approved by the Ministry of Health, which allowed them to sell their products all over Türkiye.
Despite its noble goals, the project faced a key obstacle – the lack of a dedicated and adequate sales space. To address this, the team decided to open a local product market, known as The Gacer Café, which was entirely made of wood to protect the market from adverse weather conditions. The Gacer Café, named after a local wheat, provided a comfortable and hygienic environment for the women to sell their products.
The aim of the project is to empower women entrepreneurs to a prominent position in the regional or local economy and to promote job creation. The project strives to increase the visibility of practices that support women entrepreneurs by setting a positive example in the region. Its ultimate objective is to support the first women’s cooperative established in the Develi district. It recognizes that women’s participation in working life and entrepreneurship activities are essential for the developing economy. With this project, the women in the district will be provided with employment and economic freedom. The project will also ensure that the products produced by women in the district are valued by being produced in accordance with the laws/regulations and will make a significant contribution to their marketing.
The Women Producers Development Project has made significant strides in a short time and has had a profound impact on the lives of our women producers.