The insights we gained from the “Women Entrepreneurs in the Reconstruction Process Conference,” held on November 21 in Kahramanmaraş in collaboration with the Federation of Sectoral Associations (SEDEFED), highlight once again the immense potential the region holds in its economic and social reconstruction efforts.
The economic rebuilding of Kahramanmaraş following the February 6 earthquakes is not merely about replacing what was lost. Instead, it represents a forward-looking, visionary approach.
Mustafa Buluntu, President of the Kahramanmaraş Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KMTSO), shared with great enthusiasm the multifaceted developments in the aviation industry. This initiative clearly shows that the city has established a new focal point in industrial development and set ambitious goals for itself.
Vural Çakır, President of İNGEV, emphasized the critical role of women’s participation in economic life for the country’s overall development. He noted, “With the Eleleyiz Project, we provide women entrepreneurs with opportunities to restructure and sustainably grow their businesses. Empowering women means empowering society. On the other hand, we must also acknowledge the heroism of this city by giving credit to our women entrepreneurs in the post-earthquake recovery process. Being a woman, an entrepreneur, and persevering through such a challenging time is truly remarkable—it is a form of heroism. “
UNDP Turkey’s disaster region representative Hamit Doğan and Kahramanmaraş TOBB Women Entrepreneurs Board member Ümmügülsüm Betül Zabun provided concrete examples illustrating the multiplier effect of increasing the number of women entrepreneurs and their economic contributions in the city’s reconstruction process. Existing projects aimed at women entrepreneurs once again demonstrate that social development is not solely an economic matter but also supports social solidarity and sustainability. However, enhancing and ensuring the continuity of these efforts remains of vital importance.
Unfortunately, the magnitude of the region’s needs is still deeply felt. Severe funding shortages make it challenging to expand ongoing projects further. Additionally, urban reconstruction efforts are progressing slower than expected. At the current pace, it seems it will take at least five more years to declare many areas “completed.”
Following Şanlıurfa, Gaziantep, and Hatay, we are delighted to support women entrepreneurs in Kahramanmaraş as well. However, we are also acutely aware that our efforts remain small compared to the scale of what still needs to be done. We will continue to do our utmost to contribute to the city’s economic and social fabric.
Our hope is that these efforts will grow and strengthen, creating even greater impacts. We wish for Kahramanmaraş to achieve the future it deserves as soon as possible during this reconstruction process.
During this special event, organized in collaboration with the Kahramanmaraş Chamber of Commerce and Industry, EYODER also held a workshop on the green transformation of women entrepreneurs and SMEs.
