VOICES OF WOMEN HUMANITARIANS: MARCH 8
What does March 8 mean to you?
Özlem: For me, March 8 is not just a day of celebration. It is a day of remembrance, solidarity, and action. It is a moment to honor the women before us who fought for the rights we have today and to stand with those still facing injustice. As a woman from Hatay, a city devastated by the earthquakes in 2023, I see March 8 as a symbol of resilience. Women here are not just rebuilding their homes; they are rebuilding their lives, their families, and their futures. They are leading efforts in healthcare, education, and community support, despite the challenges they face. This day reminds us that our fight is far from over, but together, we are unstoppable.
Why do you THINK gender EQUALITY REMAINS a CRUCIAL ISSUE today?
Özlem: Because gender equality is not a privilege; it is a fundamental human right. Yet, even today, women continue to face discrimination, violence, and barriers to opportunities, especially in crisis-affected areas like Hatay. When disaster strikes, women and girls often bear the heaviest burden. They face increased risks of gender-based violence, disruptions in maternal and reproductive healthcare, and greater economic insecurity.
But gender equality is not just a women’s issue. It affects entire societies. When women are empowered, communities thrive. When women have equal access to healthcare, education, and leadership opportunities, we all move forward together.
In my work, I meet women every day who are strong, capable, and determined, yet they still struggle to access the basic rights they deserve. This is why we must keep speaking up, breaking barriers, and demanding change. Because a world where women are equal is a world that is safer, healthier, and more just for everyone.
How do you CONTRIBUTE to ADVANCING gender EQUALITY IN your FIELD or DAILY work?
Özlem: As a sexual and reproductive health counselor, my job is more than just providing healthcare: It is about giving women knowledge, confidence, and control over their own bodies and futures. After the earthquake, many women in Hatay lost access to essential health services, leaving them vulnerable. Some were pregnant and didn’t know where to turn for medical support. Others needed contraceptive counseling, treatment, or just a safe space to talk.
Every day, I work to ensure that women and girls in my community receive the care they need without fear or shame. I provide them with essential health information, support survivors of gender-based violence, and advocate for their rights. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing women regain their strength: When they realize they have choices, when they find the courage to seek help, when they support each other.
To me, advancing gender equality means ensuring that no woman is left behind. It means creating a society where women’s health is not a luxury, but a priority and fundamental right. And most importantly, it means standing united; because when women lift each other up, they don’t just change their own lives – they change the world.
What does March 8 mean to you?
Nadya: March 8 is not just a celebration of women; it is a moment to shout our truth to the world. It is a day to acknowledge the tireless work of women who have fought for justice, for equality, for our rights. For me, it’s a powerful reminder of the strength women show every single day, especially in the aftermath of catastrophe. In Hatay, after the earthquakes, women have been at the forefront of rebuilding – not just the city, but the very fabric of our society. March 8th reminds us that no matter the destruction, we will rise, rebuild, and make this world a better place for ourselves and for future generations.”
Why do you THINK gender EQUALITY REMAINS a CRUCIAL ISSUE today?
Nadya: Gender equality is the cornerstone of human dignity. Today, in a world where so many still face violence, injustice, and oppression, it’s crucial to remember that no true progress can be made without equality for women. The earthquakes in Hatay have shown us that when women are left behind, the entire community suffers. When women are given the resources, opportunities, and support to thrive, society flourishes. This is why gender equality is a fight that we cannot afford to lose. It is not just a women’s issue, it is a human issue. Until women stand on equal footing with men, the world remains broken.
How do you CONTRIBUTE to ADVANCING gender EQUALITY IN your FIELD or DAILY work?
Nadya: In my daily work, I support women in reclaiming their lives, not just by providing immediate aid, but by helping them rebuild their sense of self. After the earthquake, women’s voices were silenced by fear and loss, but I remind them that their voices matter. I offer legal aid, I provide emotional support, and I connect them with resources. I see firsthand how every woman who stands up, who demands her rights, creates a ripple effect that empowers others. For me, advancing gender equality means helping women discover their power, helping them break free from the constraints of inequality, and building a world where women can lead, not just survive.
What does March 8 mean to you?
Aslı: For me, March 8 is a day of reflection, courage, and action. It is a reminder that women have always been at the heart of change, whether it’s fighting for our rights or rebuilding our communities. As a woman from Hatay, I’ve witnessed how resilient women are in the face of devastation. After the earthquakes, we didn’t just pick up the pieces of our homes; we gathered the pieces of our hopes and dreams, and we are building a future from the rubble. March 8th represents our strength, our resistance, and our ability to rise again. It is a celebration of the women who are paving the way for a new dawn in Hatay and beyond.
Why do you THINK gender EQUALITY REMAINS a CRUCIAL ISSUE today?
Aslı: Gender equality is not just a matter of fairness; it is about survival. In times of crisis, like the earthquakes in Hatay, women often face the harshest consequences. The world may have turned its back on us, but women have never turned their backs on their communities. We endure more violence, more economic hardship, and more exclusion. But we also have the power to change the world, one step at a time. True gender equality is not just about giving women a voice; it is about giving women the chance to rewrite the story of their own lives. This is why we must continue to fight. Because until women are truly equal, none of us are truly free.
How do you CONTRIBUTE to ADVANCING gender EQUALITY IN your FIELD or DAILY work?
Aslı: As a case worker, I don’t just provide aid; I listen, I empower, and I give women the opportunity to reclaim their lives. In the aftermath of the earthquake, many women felt they had lost everything – their homes, their families, their futures. But I see every day how women come together, support one another, and rebuild from scratch. I help survivors of gender-based violence, ensure women’s access to essential services, and advocate for their rights. Most importantly, I remind them that they are not alone. We rise together, and together, we will never be silenced.
