Painting. Teacher. Friend. 1-hour bus. I love it. Bye.
“Painting. Teacher. Friend. 1-hour bus. I love it. Bye.” This is how Edip, a 20-year-old from Hatay, describes the rehabilitation center he attends every day.
IMPACT AREAS
GENDER EQUALITY
THE CHALLENGE
In Türkiye, gender inequality continues to limit opportunities for women and girls across all areas of life. From education and employment to leadership and safety, systemic barriers persist. Social norms, discriminatory practices, and unequal access to resources make it harder for women to reach their full potential.
Despite notable progress in female literacy, significant gaps remain. In 2019, Türkiye’s female-to-male education index stood at just 0.887, falling short of the parity seen in countries with high human development. While more girls are enrolling in school, lingering inequalities in higher education and regional disparities continue to hold many back.
Economic inclusion also remains elusive. Women’s labor force participation was only 34% in 2019, far below the 52–54% average in high-HDI countries. And, while global benchmarks illustrate that educational advancement should narrow income gaps, Turkish women still earn significantly less—on average, only about half the income that women in very high-HDI countries earn.
These stark figures reflect the urgency behind our work. At Turkish Philanthropy Funds, we stand at the forefront of advancing gender equality—challenging deep-rooted disparities across education, economic participation, and decision-making in Türkiye. By addressing both the symptoms and root causes of gender inequality, we empower women and girls to rewrite their futures and build stronger, more inclusive communities.
WHAT WE DO
PARTNERS
READY TO TAKE ACTION?
Your support helps underprivileged girls continue their education from secondary school to university. Donations provide accommodation, scholarships, health care, and psychosocial support at Koruncukköy campuses.
Gender Equality$12,670 USD / $200,000 USD
KAHEV provides scholarships to students from pre-school to university, supporting education and opportunity for future generations. Your donation helps women pursue medical careers and children of healthcare workers continue their studies.
Gender Equality$875 USD / $50,000 USD
TurkishWIN empowers young women across Türkiye with mentorship, skills development, and community support to build careers they love. Your donation helps expand mentoring programs, amplify women’s stories, and create opportunities that remove barriers, nurturing the next generation of Türkiye’s talent.
Gender Equality$9,406 USD / $80,000 USD
Southeastern Turkey’s children, especially adolescent girls, have faced enormous challenges after the February 2023 earthquakes. Suna’nin Kizlari Children’s Hubs provide safe spaces for education, psychosocial support, arts, sports, and health services—helping girls regain stability, confidence, and hope. Your donation ensures these hubs can reach more children, support families, and create lasting recovery in the communities that need it most.
Gender Equality$5,459 USD / $300,000 USD
Every young woman deserves the opportunity to succeed. The Turkish Association of University Women (TUKD) Istanbul Branch supports female university students from rural areas, helping them thrive academically, socially, and professionally. Through the Friendship Bridge program, students receive not only a monthly grant but also mentorship from donors in their field, providing guidance, career advice, and personal support as they navigate university life in Istanbul.
Gender Equality$525 USD / $138,000 USD
STORIES
Healing to Action.
/ In the wake of disaster, recovery is rarely linear. In Hatay and neighboring regions, healing doesn’t begin with a business pitch—it starts with a breath. Through the Ecological and
Weaving Art, Memory, and Hope
Hüsamettin Koçan was born in a remote village 45 kilometers from Bayburt, where life was defined by hard work and resilience. Raised by his mother in this rugged..
You Can Be in the Olympics — as a Supporter!
At just 17, Derin Deniz Sorguç is already making history for Türkiye. She began her sporting journey with horse riding and skiing, but it was kiteboarding that truly..
From Streets to Treats
A year ago, Türkiye introduced the “Animal Protection Law,” allowing stray animals to be collected and placed in shelters. Yet the reality has proven challenging. While shelter capacity..
What power does a scholarship hold?
What power does a scholarship hold? More than we can imagine. Even a modest stipend for a high school student can change the course of a life. It can enable a young woman..