What is the project about?

H.O.P.E in Action is a project implemented by the United Nations Development Programme and financed by the Government of Sweden. The project aims to promote women’s economic empowerment and self-reliance in earthquake-affected regions of Türkiye in February 2023 by supporting women-led businesses, enhancing access to vocational skills, and facilitating women’s employment.

Adopting a holistic and gender-responsive approach, the project combines participatory needs assessment, business continuity support, vocational training, and employment incentives to address the intersecting challenges faced by women affected by displacement, disaster impacts, and long-standing structural inequalities. 

What is the situation?

The earthquakes of 6 February 2023 caused widespread destruction across 11 provinces in southeastern Türkiye, severely affecting livelihoods, local economies, and access to employment. Women, particularly Syrians under Temporary Protection (SuTP) women and women-led micro and small business owners, were disproportionately impacted due to income loss, increased unpaid care responsibilities, and limited access to financial and employment opportunities.

These challenges were compounded by pre-existing regional disparities, including low female labour force participation, high informality, and limited access to market-relevant skills. The post-earthquake recovery period has highlighted the need for targeted, long-term, and inclusive economic recovery interventions for women.

What is our mission?

The mission of the project is to;

• Strengthen women’s economic resilience and inclusion in earthquake-affected regions;
• Creating sustainable pathways for employment and entrepreneurship;
• Foster local partnerships and coordination to ensure that recovery efforts are inclusive, gender-responsive, and sustainable;
• Encourage women's active participation in social life.  

How are we doing this?

The project is implemented through a multi-stakeholder and an integrated approach: 

• Participatory needs assessments and skills mapping are being conducted to inform demand-driven interventions.
• Tailored business continuity support, mentorship, and in-kind assistance to women-led small businesses are provided.
• Market-oriented vocational training programmes are being designed and delivered.
• Women’s employment through incentives, wage subsidies, career coaching, and job-matching mechanisms are being facilitated.
• Coordination and partnerships with local institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector are being strengthened.

How will Türkiye benefit?

The project supports women’s participation in economic life, through supporting resilient local businesses, and improving access to skills aligned with labour market needs. This inclusive and gender-sensitive recovery approach aims to contribute to Türkiye’s post-earthquake recovery and long-term development goals while supporting social cohesion, economic revitalization, and sustainable development in affected regions.