EMPOWERING WOMEN IN THE CASES OF BOTH NATURAL AND HUMAN-MADE DISASTERS

<< Background >>We applied for this project to draw attention to the problems faced by women aged 18–30, who are more vulnerable to the destruction caused by disasters and emergencies due to gender inequality, and to offer solutions to these problems. Women encounter numerous challenges during disaster processes, ranging from security to health, and the degree to which they are affected varies depending on their level of vulnerability, biological differences, and gender roles. Women who cannot make decisions independently or participate in activities within their social environment are negatively impacted by basic disasters such as earthquakes and floods due to a lack of essential skills. These issues can be addressed through a focus on education and by increasing women's participation in decision-making processes. With this project, we aimed to highlight the problems women face in the disaster cycle, contribute to their empowerment in such situations, and enhance their resilience through proposed solutions.<< Objectives >>While implementing this project, our primary goal was to raise awareness among young people and women, who are particularly more vulnerable to disasters, and to empower them throughout these processes. We recognize that the impacts of disasters are not only physical but also social and psychological. Therefore, we aimed for young individuals and women to take a conscious and active role in disaster preparedness, appropriate behavior during emergencies, and post-disaster recovery processes. At the same time, we wanted participants to be empowered not only through knowledge but also through hands-on experience. Through mobilities held in Türkiye, Portugal, Italy, and Greece, we brought together young people from different cultures, enabling them to learn together and collaborate on solutions. While we created local impact through activities in schools and public education centers in Manisa, our partners reached 750 people in their own regions, expanding our impact on an international level. As a result, we aimed to contribute to the development of individuals who are more conscious, resilient, and socially responsible in the face of disasters.<< Implementation >>International Kick-off Meeting–Material Preparation Activity:An 18-month activity plan was detailed and responsibilities were distributed among the partners.Discussions were held on the preparation of educational and dissemination materials to be used throughout the project,the project website, time planning,and financial management.International Disaster Awareness Trainer Training Activity:Participants, including representatives from NGOs and women's associations in the host country, received Disaster Awareness Trainer Training.Three sessions were delivered on the following topics:psychosocial support and humanitarian aid,fire response and disaster awareness training.International Drill – Evacuation Training / Sharing of Best Practices:A disaster response and evacuation drill was conducted.Additionally,each partner presented two projects that were implemented in their respective countries during the 2014–2020 Erasmus+ Programme period and were recognized by their National Agencies as “Good Practice Examples.”International Final Meeting:The project reporting process,the management of dissemination activities, and sustainability strategies were discussed.Responsibilities related to reporting were distributed among the partners.<< Results >>Through the mobility activities organized in four countries (Türkiye, Greece, Italy, and Portugal), our project provided both theoretical and practical learning opportunities in the fields of disaster management, gender equality, and volunteering. In Manisa, awareness-raising and informative sessions were held for high school students and young women attending Public Education Centers. A total of 750 people were reached across the partner countries.Throughout the project, brochures, educational booklets, and presentations were prepared and shared both locally and digitally via the empoweringwomenindisasters.com website. Youthpass certificates were awarded to participants, contributing to the development of individuals with strong disaster awareness. Through engaging social media content, wider audiences were reached.Permanent collaborations were established among partner institutions, and all project outputs were archived in a way that ensures long-term accessibility. The project strengthened knowledge-sharing and intercultural dialogue while contributing to greater social awareness on disaster preparedness and gender-sensitive resilience.