In Hatay, after more than 8 months had passed since the devastating earthquakes hit Türkiye, we met Esra in a tent settlement. Her eyes had indeed witnessed countless difficulties. With her daughter on her lap, she silently sat in front of her tent when we approached. We could almost feel her courage as she embraced her daughter when we first talked to her. She nodded with a reflective look when asked if she was in Hatay during the earthquakes. “Yes” she answered, “I was here.” It’s clear that her memories of that time run deep and the journey ever since has been exhausting.
Esra's story takes an inspiring turn when she recalls the first few weeks of her arrival at the tent settlement. She expressed her delight at meeting the healthcare professionals from HASUDER (Public Health Specialists Association), the implementing partner of the Sexual and Reproductive Health Service Unit of UNFPA, funded by the US Government in Hatay, who welcomed her with open arms. "I met these doctors and nurses a couple of weeks ago," she shares, her face lighting up with gratitude.
Esra, who was pregnant at the time, received UNFPA’s maternity kit filled with essential items and invaluable support from the medical staff. She sought out information on how to care for her child and manage her health. "I received information on how to breastfeed and all the information I needed about my health," she explains. Her enthusiasm for learning shines through as she continues, "I received training not through word, but through visuals. They showed me everything."
Esra is not only grateful for the support she has received but also for the empowerment she has gained through knowledge. "They did everything they could," she says. "They explained everything I needed to know such as breast cancer awareness and self-breast examinations.” she elaborates.
Three months ago, Esra acquired Turkish citizenship. With a newfound sense of belonging, she envisions a future in Hatay, one that doesn't involve living in a makeshift tent. "I plan to stay here, in a different setting," she says, hinting at a more stable and secure life that she aspires to build. For supporting women like Esra, UNFPA has been on the ground since day one. With the US Government’s support and HASUDER’s collaboration, we will keep supporting pregnant and lactating women in Hatay.
