Adıyaman/Malatya, Türkiye - Almost 2 years after the 6 February earthquakes, the traces of the devastation and losses in the earthquake affected region remain, as does the need for health and protection services in the most affected provinces.
Women living in temporary settlements and facing challenging conditions in the region may struggle to access reliable information about women’s health, counseling services on reproductive health, and the services and resources needed to prevent unintended pregnancies. Unplanned or unintended pregnancies can pose health risks for women and newborns while also exacerbating public health and economic challenges for families and communities. In this context, ensuring access to reproductive health services and supplies for women in crisis situations is essential.
UNFPA Türkiye, in partnership with the KAMER Foundation and with financial support from the Government of Japan, is empowering women in the region through the "Voucher Assistance for Reproductive Health" initiative. Launched in Women and Girls Safe Spaces in Adıyaman and Malatya, this intervention aims to reach women of reproductive age in need, providing them with access to effective family planning methods to prevent unintended pregnancies. Additionally, the initiative contributes to strengthening the local economy.
Story of Dilvin
Dilvin is a 31-year-old mother of three, living with her husband and children in a temporary settlement in Malatya. She fled the war in Syria and came to Türkiye about ten years ago. Two years after her arrival, she got married and lived in a crowded household with her husband’s family, where she was subjected to violence by members of her husband's family. Following the earthquake, Dilvin’s house collapsed, making her life even more challenging.
Dilvin's life began to change for the better after meeting the outreach team from the UNFPA supported Women and Girls Safe Space in the temporary settlement where she lives. Through the services provided by the Women and Girls Safe Space in partnership with UNFPA and KAMER Foundation, she learned that the violence she experienced was not her fate, that she had rights, and that she was not alone. With the counseling, cash assistance, and psychosocial support she received, Dilvin was able to start a life free from violence, living independently with her husband and children. Empowered by this support, Dilvin took the initiative to help other women access these vital services.
‘’There was no psychological or women's health support available, but we were in great need. Having this center here has been very beneficial for women.’’
Dilvin shares that, due to the financial hardships brought on by the earthquake and the uncertainty of their future in the country, they feel unable to care for more children. Yet, she explains that their financial situation has prevented them from accessing family planning methods.
‘’I don't have a homeland, and our financial situation is very bad. The school environment for the children is very difficult. We don't know if we will stay here or return to Syria. Life keeps getting harder. If I have another child, I will have to cut back on what I provide for the others.’’
During an awareness session she attended, Dilvin learned that the Women and Girls Safe Space provides voucher assistance for reproductive health. She received counseling on family planning and began benefiting from the voucher assistance. She explains that the entire process was very easy for her, and the Arabic-speaking nurse at the center was a great help, even accompanying her to the pharmacy, providing immense support throughout.
“My experience with reproductive health counseling was very positive, and the communication was excellent. It was wonderful that the nurse could understand what I was saying. During the voucher usage process, the nurse accompanying me to the pharmacy removed any language barriers, and I was able to easily meet my needs”
Dilvin states that the voucher assistance provided through the collaboration between UNFPA and the KAMER Foundation has made a significant difference in her life. She explains that, unlike receiving in-kind assistance, the approach of meeting her needs by herself through the voucher assistance was an effective solution.; “With the voucher, I was able to access contraceptive methods, which I really needed, for free. Even 100 TL makes a big difference for me; without this support, I might not have been able to meet this important need due to other priorities.” Now, Dilvin is helping other women by sharing information about these services, ensuring they can also access this vital assistance.
UNFPA Türkiye, in collaboration with the KAMER Foundation and with financial support from the Government of Japan, will continue empowering women in the region through the cash-based "Voucher Assistance for Reproductive Health" initiative in Women and Girls Safe Spaces in Adıyaman and Malatya. This intervention aims to reach women of reproductive age in need and ensure their access to effective methods for preventing unintended pregnancies. UNFPA will carry on this vital work through 2025.
