The second phase of the “Young Women Building Their Future” project, which aims to empower young women not in employment, education, or training (NEET) in Türkiye and support their participation in the economy, has officially begun. In this new phase, priority is given to activities that enhance young women’s employability. As the first step of the second phase, applications for the third term of the Mentorship Programme are now open. The programme targets NEET young women aged 18 to 35 who are looking to start their careers. Applications will be open until 30 August 2025. Women who have advanced in their careers and wish to become mentors, as well as NEET young women seeking mentorship for their career and personal development, can apply at www.geleceginikurangenckadinlar.org/mentorluk.

Implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Sabancı Foundation, the second phase of the “Young Women Building Their Future” project kicks off with the Mentorship Programme. The programme connects NEET women aged 18–35 in Türkiye with experienced women professionals from various sectors, aiming to support their participation in working life and contribute to their personal development. Following the application period, which runs until 30 August 2025, mentor-mentee pairings will be finalized, and online mentorship meetings will continue until 1 April 2026.

1,000 Mentors Reached out to 1,100 Mentees in the First Two Terms

The Mentorship Programme was first launched in 2023, followed by a second round in 2024. Across both terms, 1,000 mentors and 1,100 mentees were engaged, resulting in more than 4,000 mentorship sessions. As a result of the programme, more than 400 NEET young women entered the workforce. Participants highlighted the confidence they gained through mentorship as a key factor in their professional success.

First Phase Generated 45 Million TRY in Social Impact

Launched in 2022, the “Young Women Building Their Future” project has reached over 6,000 NEET young women over more than three years. Field research conducted under the project helped identify the needs of young women and led to the implementation of various activities including vocational training, rights-based empowerment sessions, mentorship and grant programmes, job and internship opportunities, and a digital “Opportunities Map.”

According to the Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis conducted to assess the project’s impact, the Mentorship Programme emerged as the most impactful activity. It was estimated that the project created an annual social impact worth TRY45,000,000.