Profilo and Habitat Association Unite Women Founders in Hakkâri

Grant recipients and trainees share their experience

Ümmühan Keskin of the Lilyana Women's Cooperative, who received grant and mentoring support through the project, described her path and how that support helped her business develop.

Three young entrepreneurs, Zilan Ertunç, Sema Şen and Sümeyye Temel, also spoke. They have launched their own clothing brands in Hakkâri and took part in the project's training programmes. They explained how the knowledge and skills they gained have contributed to their day-to-day work.

Regional hurdles and the support women need

The discussion centred on the obstacles women face when starting and growing a business in Hakkâri, and on how local conditions shape that process. Drawing on their own experience, participants stressed the importance of training, mentoring and financial support.

The contribution of the project's training, mentoring and grant components to business growth was also assessed. Attendees additionally talked about the support mechanisms women need to grow their ventures in a sustainable way.

The meeting gave women from different sectors and circumstances a space to voice shared needs and expectations and to learn from one another. It also brought the experiences of project beneficiaries to other women entrepreneurs and aspiring founders in the region, strengthening information sharing and solidarity among them.