In the words of Atiye Taş: “I believe the future will be stronger because of courageous women”

After moving from a village in Savur, in Türkiye’s southeastern Mardin province, to the city centre of Mardin, Atiye Taş first connected with the Mardin Women’s Cooperation Association (MOKİD) through its Women’s Solidarity Centre. Through trainings on women’s rights and combating violence against women, she rebuilt her confidence, returned to education, and became a source of inspiration for women in her community. Today, she works as a chef at the MOKİD kitchen, helps manage its operation, and continues to encourage other women, including her own daughters, through her story.

“My name is Atiye Taş. I am 44 years old and a mother of three. I was married at a young age and lived in a village in Savur for 20 years before moving to the city centre of Mardin.

I left school after the fifth grade. In my village, girls were not encouraged to continue their studies. Like many other girls around me, I married young and my life revolved around my home, my children, and my family.

Everything began to change after I moved to Mardin and met Hülya Çelebioğlu, chairperson of MOKİD. We were neighbours, and we often talked about women’s lives, the challenges we face, and the pressures placed on us. One day, she encouraged me to visit MOKID’s Women’s Solidarity Centre and join the trainings. That decision changed my life.

At the Centre, I learned about women’s rights, violence against women, the different forms violence can take, and where women can turn for support. I started sharing what I learned with my sisters, relatives, neighbours, and friends. I told them there was a place where women could turn to for help and guidance. I even organized trainings for men in my village. Over time, people in my community had started to see me as a role model.

Later, I began working at the association as a childcare worker. Having my own income made me feel stronger and encouraged me to continue my education. I completed middle school and high school, and today I am preparing for the civil service exam. I also hope to attend university in the future.

My children became my greatest motivation. When my eldest daughter stopped studying after high school, I told her, ‘If I can continue studying at this age, then you can too.’ She returned to school, graduated from university, and now works in her profession. My younger daughter also continued her studies.

Today, I work as a chef at MOKİD Kitchen and help manage the kitchen. It is something I am very proud of. Before meeting MOKİD, I had little self-confidence. I saw myself only as a mother responsible for her home and children. Now, I stand on my own feet, support my family, and believe in myself.

Today, I know my rights, I trust myself, and I believe the future will be stronger because of courageous women.”

The Mardin Women’s Cooperation Association (MOKİD) was established to empower women economically, socially, culturally, and legally, while strengthening their role in society. It provides social, psychological, and legal counselling services to women experiencing violence. MOKİD received a grant under the second phase of the “Strong Civic Space for Gender Equality” project, implemented by UN Women with the financial support of the European Union.