Kiri

Saatja: Kırsal Bölgelerdeki Kadın Hareketi Dernegi (BIZ DE VARIZ)

<[email protected]>

Saadetud: 19.03.2026 00:58

Adressaat: Maret Maripuu <[email protected]>

Koopia: Vadim Ivanov <[email protected]>; Kadri Maasik

<[email protected]>; Meeli Miidla-Vanatalu <Meeli.Miidla-

[email protected]>; Priit Laos <[email protected]>; SKA

Info <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>

Teema: Turkish and Estonian Civil Society Cooperation

Tähtsus: Kõrgeim

Manused: image003.png; Turkish and Estonian Civil Society

Cooperation_Dear_Mrs._Maret_MARIPUU.pdf; project brochure.pdf

Number : 2026/36

Subject : Turkish and Estonian Civil Society Cooperation

Date : Türkiye, Rize, March 19, 2026

Dear Mrs. Maret MARIPUU

Social Insurance Board

Director-General

Dear Mrs. Maripuu

Our association, in partnership with the Estonian Disabled Women’s Association (Estonia), the

Lithuanian Women’s Society (Lithuania) and the Gender Studies, o.p.s. (Czechia), implemented

the "Civil Society Dialogue for Empowered Women" project in the Czech Republic, Lithuania,

and Estonia (The brochure for this project is attached.). This project was supported by the

European Union. The project was implemented between 01.04.2021 – 30.01.2023.

The aim of the project is ‘’Overall objective: to strengthen the position of women in Rize and

improve the information exchange and sustainable cooperation between Turkish and European

CSOs. Specific objectives: (1) To ensure information exchange about Women-friendly Cities and

“women with disabilities” approach of women’s CSOs between Turkish and Estonian CSOs; (2)

To establish the “women in local governance e-platform”; (3) To inform the Turkish public on

the EU and the European public on Turkey.’’

The project has been successfully implemented in Türkiye, Estonia, Czech Republic, and

Lithuania.

The International workshop with subject of “Women's Rights with Disabilities in Estonia” for

lively and colourful society dialogue among NGO was done in Estonia. The International

Tähelepanu! Tegemist on väljastpoolt asutust saabunud kirjaga. Tundmatu saatja korral palume linke ja faile mitte avada.

workshop was held in two phases. At the first stage, travel observation and examination works

have been implemented. During those examination works, presentations have been performed by

the people who know well the point. At the second stage; group works and presentations called as

indoor area work were done. This workshop provided to attendants to make strength democracy

and law subject to estimated political dimensions. Women's Support Center and Eesti Puuetega

Naiste Ühenduste Liit (EPNÜL) served as a role model for Turkish participants. The

International workshop not only has increased the information and capacities of the participants

but also provide an opportunity to them for practicing as a part of solution. So, they have

increased their self-confidence.

Achievements of the project:

1. Better information sharing about Project partners and opportunities and difficulties due to

enlarging of EU in future were shared through negotiations.

2. A dialogue has been established between EU Member States and Turkiye where

"concerns and views will be discussed sincerely and clearly".

3. Entering of Estonia to EU, learnt lessons, Lecturing about points like rights of disabled

women, Activities of NGOs with women subject in EU and Estonia, Gender Equality in

Estonia and EU Countries.

4. Estonian participants have had the opportunity to get to know Turkiye closely.

5. Estonian participants have learned about the works Turkey has done during the EU

harmonization process.

6. Better information sharing about the project partners opportunities and difficulties due to

enlarging of EU in future were shared through negotiations.

7. Tallinn Women’s Support Center served as a role model for Turkish NGO

representatives, and a women’s shelter as well as a women’s incubation (counselling)

center were established in the province of Rize, the Republic of Türkiye.

8. A civil society dialogue was established between Estonian and Turkish women’s support

centers and shelters, and a joint project was developed.

Our project team in Estonia is very successful. Disciplined and dedicated. I would like to take

this opportunity to thank Mrs Vaike Pähn (Tallinn Women's Support Center). The PowerPoint

presentations were particularly impressive. The participants loved them. They served as role

models for the participants.

Mrs. Pähn delivered presentations on the operational functioning of women’s shelters in Estonia,

particularly the Tallinn Women’s Support Center. Mrs. Pähn’s presentation attracted significant

interest among Turkish and Lithuanian participants. Turkish participants, in particular,

demonstrated a strong interest. In the final session of the workshop, a brainstorming session

entitled “Laying the Foundations of Civil Society Dialogue between Türkiye, Estonia, and

Lithuania in the Field of Women’s Shelters” was held upon the request of Turkish and Lithuanian

participants. Under the guidance of Mrs. Pähn, presentations were delivered on the institutional

functioning of women’s support centers and shelters across Estonia, with particular reference to

the Tallinn Women’s Support Center. Turkish and Lithuanian participants also delivered

presentations outlining the opportunities and challenges in their respective countries.

Subsequently, discussions and exchanges of views were held with the participation of all

attendees. During this brainstorming session, it was strongly envisaged that Türkiye, as a

candidate country to the EU, would take Estonian women’s shelters as a role model and establish

both a women’s incubation (counselling) center and a women’s shelter in the Black Sea Region

of Türkiye (with the province of Rize designated as the pilot area). Motivation on this matter has

increased. In addition, it was decided to develop a project to establish a civil society dialogue

between Estonian and Turkish women’s support centers and shelters. We are currently working

on this project proposal.

We are in constant dialogue with Tallinn Women's Support Center and Eesti Puuetega Naiste

Ühenduste Liit (EPNÜL). We are currently preparing a joint project proposal. The purpose of this

project is "to strengthen the voice and actions of local civil society for climate justice and

inclusive climate local governance in Türkiye by engaging with the most vulnerable, excluded

and disadvantaged groups of society, such as disabled women."

We want to implement this project to create a bigger synergy in the project site and to increase

the sustainability of the project. With the contributions of Estonia Missions and EU Missions that

put value on ‘Disabled Women's Rights’ a great synergy and the multiplier effect will be

generated.

I respectfully submit this information to your attention.

Annex: Project brochure

Berrin YEGEN MOLLAVELIOGLU

President of the Board of Directors

phone : + 90 464 213 22 02

e-mail (1) : [email protected]

e-mail (2) : [email protected]

web (1) : www.bizdevarizdernegi.org

web (2) : http://www.bizdevarizdernegi.org/e-platform-tr/e-platformtoplanti.html

youtube : @bizdevarizdernegi address : Çarşı Mah., Hacı Eşref Cad., Boştan İş Hanı, No:16/302, 53100 Merkez

Rize, TÜRKIYE

Çarşı Mahallesi, Hacı Eşref Caddesi, Boştan İşhanı, No:16-302, 53100 Rize-Türkiye Telefax: +90 (464) 715 14 16 e-mail: [email protected] www.bizdevarizdernegi.org

1/3

Number : 2026/36

Subject : Turkish and Estonian Civil Society Cooperation

Date : Türkiye, Rize, March 19, 2026

Dear Mrs. Maret MARIPUU

Social Insurance Board

Director-General

[email protected]

Dear Mrs. Maripuu

Our association, in partnership with the Estonian Disabled Women’s Association (Estonia), the Lithuanian Women’s Society (Lithuania) and the Gender Studies, o.p.s. (Czechia), implemented the "Civil Society Dialogue for Empowered Women" project in the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Estonia (The brochure for this project is attached.). This project was supported by the European Union. The project was implemented between 01.04.2021 – 30.01.2023.

The aim of the project is ‘’Overall objective: to strengthen the position of women in Rize and improve the information exchange and sustainable cooperation between Turkish and European CSOs. Specific objectives: (1) To ensure information exchange about Women-friendly Cities and “women with disabilities” approach of women’s CSOs between Turkish and Estonian CSOs; (2) To establish the “women in local governance e-platform”; (3) To inform the Turkish public on the EU and the European public on Turkey.’’

The project has been successfully implemented in Türkiye, Estonia, Czech Republic, and Lithuania.

The International workshop with subject of “Women's Rights with Disabilities in Estonia” for lively and colourful society dialogue among NGO was done in Estonia. The International workshop was held in two phases. At the first stage, travel observation and examination works have been implemented. During those examination works, presentations have been performed by the people who know well the point. At the second stage; group works and presentations called as indoor

Çarşı Mahallesi, Hacı Eşref Caddesi, Boştan İşhanı, No:16-302, 53100 Rize-Türkiye Telefax: +90 (464) 715 14 16 e-mail: [email protected] www.bizdevarizdernegi.org

2/3

area work were done. This workshop provided to attendants to make strength democracy and law subject to estimated political dimensions. Women's Support Center and Eesti Puuetega Naiste Ühenduste Liit (EPNÜL) served as a role model for Turkish participants. The International workshop not only has increased the information and capacities of the participants but also provide an opportunity to them for practicing as a part of solution. So, they have increased their self- confidence.

Achievements of the project:

1. Better information sharing about Project partners and opportunities and difficulties due to enlarging of EU in future were shared through negotiations.

2. A dialogue has been established between EU Member States and Turkiye where "concerns and views will be discussed sincerely and clearly".

3. Entering of Estonia to EU, learnt lessons, Lecturing about points like rights of disabled women, Activities of NGOs with women subject in EU and Estonia, Gender Equality in Estonia and EU Countries.

4. Estonian participants have had the opportunity to get to know Turkiye closely. 5. Estonian participants have learned about the works Turkey has done during

the EU harmonization process. 6. Better information sharing about the project partners opportunities and

difficulties due to enlarging of EU in future were shared through negotiations.

7. Tallinn Women’s Support Center served as a role model for Turkish NGO representatives, and a women’s shelter as well as a women’s incubation (counselling) center were established in the province of Rize, the Republic of Türkiye.

8. A civil society dialogue was established between Estonian and Turkish women’s support centers and shelters, and a joint project was developed.

Our project team in Estonia is very successful. Disciplined and dedicated. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Vaike Pähn (Tallinn Women's Support Center). The PowerPoint presentations were particularly impressive. The participants loved them. They served as role models for the participants.

Mrs. Pähn delivered presentations on the operational functioning of women’s shelters in Estonia, particularly the Tallinn Women’s Support Center. Mrs. Pähn’s presentation attracted significant interest among Turkish and Lithuanian participants. Turkish participants, in particular, demonstrated a strong interest. In the final session of the workshop, a brainstorming session entitled “Laying the Foundations of Civil Society Dialogue between Türkiye, Estonia, and Lithuania in the Field of Women’s Shelters” was held upon the request of Turkish and Lithuanian participants. Under the guidance of Mrs. Pähn, presentations were delivered on the institutional functioning of women’s support centers and shelters across Estonia, with particular reference to the Tallinn Women’s Support Center. Turkish and Lithuanian participants also delivered presentations outlining the opportunities and

Çarşı Mahallesi, Hacı Eşref Caddesi, Boştan İşhanı, No:16-302, 53100 Rize-Türkiye Telefax: +90 (464) 715 14 16 e-mail: [email protected] www.bizdevarizdernegi.org

3/3

challenges in their respective countries. Subsequently, discussions and exchanges of views were held with the participation of all attendees. During this brainstorming session, it was strongly envisaged that Türkiye, as a candidate country to the EU, would take Estonian women’s shelters as a role model and establish both a women’s incubation (counselling) center and a women’s shelter in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye (with the province of Rize designated as the pilot area). Motivation on this matter has increased. In addition, it was decided to develop a project to establish a civil society dialogue between Estonian and Turkish women’s support centers and shelters. We are currently working on this project proposal.

We are in constant dialogue with Tallinn Women's Support Center and Eesti Puuetega Naiste Ühenduste Liit (EPNÜL). We are currently preparing a joint project proposal. The purpose of this project is "to strengthen the voice and actions of local civil society for climate justice and inclusive climate local governance in Türkiye by engaging with the most vulnerable, excluded and disadvantaged groups of society, such as disabled women."

We want to implement this project to create a bigger synergy in the project site and to increase the sustainability of the project. With the contributions of Estonia Missions and EU Missions that put value on ‘Disabled Women's Rights’ a great synergy and the multiplier effect will be generated.

I respectfully submit this information to your attention.

Berrin YEGEN MOLLAVELIOGLU

President of the Board of Directors

Appendix: Project brochure

WOMEN MOVEMENT ASSOCIATIAN AT THE RURAL REGION (BIZ DE VARIZ)

e-mail: [email protected] Address: Çarşı Mah., Hacı Eşref Cad. Boştan Işhanı,

No:16/, 302, 53100 Merkez/Rize, Türkiye Tel: 0 464 715 14 16

Web: www.bizdevarizdernegi.org

LITHUANIAN WOMEN'S SOCIETY (LİTVANYA) e-mail: [email protected]

Address: Jono Basanavičiaus g. 11, Vilnius 03108, Litvanya Telefon: +370 5 262 3009 Web: www.lmd.lt

ESTONIAN DISABLED WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION (ESTONYA)

e-mail: [email protected] Address: Endla 59, 10615 Tallinn, Estonya

Tel: +372 5645 3468 Web: www.epnu.ee

GENDER STUDIES, O.P.S. (ÇEK CUMHURİYETİ) e-mail: [email protected]

Address: Masarykovo nábřežı ́8, Prag 2, Çekya Tel: +420 224 915 666

Web: www.genderstudies.cz

Web: www.siviltoplumdiyalogu.org

The Association of Women's Movement in Rural Areas was founded in 2010. The short name of the association is “BIZ DE VARIZ”, meaning “We are

here, too”. The aim of the BIZ DE VARIZ Association is to realize, enhance, research, and assess the human rights of the women living in the rural areas of the Black Sea Region; protect them from rights viola- tions; prevent violations; identify violations; improve women's access to public services with all the actions to provide them with legal support and assistance in the event of violations or where it is otherwise neces- sary; raise the social, economic, and political status of women; raise awareness and develop capacity against gender discrimination and violation; and enable the participation of women in economy, hence promoting women's employment. BIZ DE VARIZ Association has imple- mented many projects with the support of various reputable interna- tional organizations such as, primary among them, the European Union (EU), the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empower- ment of Women (UN WOMEN), the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), the British Embassy in Ankara, the Swiss Embassy, Freedom House, and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES).

The Lithuanian Women's Association was estab- lished in 1990 in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Its acronym is LMD. LMD Association was founded to ight against all kinds of discrimination and violence against women. L MD is a non-governmental organization that unites women of all ages, nationalities, creeds, and views.LMD became a member of the International Women's Alliance (IAW) in 1992 and the International Council of Women (ICW) in 2002. LMD has carried out successful projects supported by many international funding insti- tutions, especially the European Union.

The Estonian Association of Disabled Women is a non-governmental organization established in

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, in 1998. Its acronym is EPNUL.EPNUL became an umbrella organization in 2013 and joined the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People in 2016. EPNUL has carried out successful projects supported by many international funding institutions, espe- cially the European Union.

CO-APPLICANTS

FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROJECTPROJECT CONTRACTOR

LITHUANIAN WOMEN'S SOCIETY (LITHUANIA):

THE ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN'S MOVEMENT IN RURAL AREAS (BIZ DE VARIZ)

ESTONIAN DISABLED WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION (ESTONIA):

Gender Studies ops is a non-governmental organization founded in 1999 in Prague, the capital city of Czechia.The aim of Gender Studies is to create a discussion space for

the position and roles of women and men in society, the systematic elimination of gender inequalities and contributing to tolerance for alternative lifestyles. Gender Studies ops has carried out successful projects supported by many international funding institutions, espe- cially the European Union.

GENDER STUDIES, O.P.S. (CZECH REPUBLIC):

This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Association of Women's Movement in

Rural Areas and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Civil Society Dialogue Programme VI

CIVIL SOCIETY DIALOGUE FOR STRONG WOEN

PROJECT

WOMEN MOVEMENT ASSOCIATIAN AT THE RURAL REGION WOMEN MOVEMENT ASSOCIATIAN AT THE RURAL REGION

WOMEN MOVEMENT ASSOCIATIAN AT THE RURAL REGION

a) Following the signing of the project contract, an effective project management and coordination unit will be established. An effective and robust monitoring, measurement, evaluation, and reporting methodology will be developed for the project.

b) A project-speciic communication strategy will be developed for the project to be implemented effectively, to resonate with the local, national, and international communities and to raise interest in the project. Visibility products will be prepared as part of this strategy.

c) Activity 3: “Women-Friendly Cities” Experience Sharing in Czechia

d) A workshop on the barrier-free participation of women with disabilities in civil society will be held in Turkey. Following the end of the workshop, an action plan will be created, and a strong monitoring mechanism will be established to monitor this action plan.

e) The Barrier-Free European Dialogue of Women with Disabilities will take place in Estonia.

f) A Women in Local Governance e-platform will be set up. g) “Women-Friendly Cities” training kits will be created,

and the target group will be trained on “Women- Friendly Cities”.

h) Awareness-raising conferences will be held in Czechia, Estonia, and Lithuania on Turkey and in Ordu and Rize (Turkey) on the European Union.

Activity 1: Project Coordination and Management, Monitoring, Measurement, Evaluation, and Reporting Activity 2: Visibility and Dissemination Activity 3: “Women-Friendly Cities” Experience Sharing Activity 4: Workshop on the Barrier-Free Parti- cipation of Women with Disabilities in Civil Society, Action Plan, Monitoring of the Action Plan, and the Barrier-Free European Dialogue of Women with Disabilities Activity 5: Establishment of a Women in Local Governance E-Platform Activity 6: Women-Friendly City Trainings (Creation of Women-Friendly Cities Training Kits, Informing Municipal Employees, and Informing Women's Civil Society Organizations) Activity 7: European Union and Turkey Awareness Conferences

Our project has two target groups, direct and indirect. The target group that will directly participate in the project activities:

l 170 representatives of women's civil society organi- zations (60 Turkish, 50 Czech, 30 Estonian, and 30 Lithuanian representatives);

l 50 local administration representatives; l 500 Laz, Lom, and Hemşin people.

The target group that will indirectly participate in the project activities:

l Representatives of rights-based civil society organiza- tions, local administrators, and representatives of public organizations based in the Black Sea Region in Turkey, Tallinn in Estonia, Prague in Czechia, and Vilnius in Lithuania.

The overall aim of our project is to enhance exchange of information and sustainable cooperation between civil society organizations in Turkey and European Union member states to strengthen the position of women. The speciic objectives of our project are as follows: 1- Ensuring exchange of information between the civil society organizations in Turkey and the European Union regarding women-friendly cities and how women's civil society organizations address "women with disabilities", 2- Establishing a “women in local governance e-platform”,

3- Informing the representatives of Rize-Fındıklı and Ordu-Gülyalı municipalities and local Women's CSOs about women-friendly cities, 4- Informing the Turkish public about the European Union and European Union citizens about Turkey.

PROJECT AIM WHAT WE WILL DO

PROJECT TARGET GROUP

PROJECT MAIN ACTIVITIES