Through its “Gender Responsive Transformation of Companies and Institutions” programme under “Turkey Resilience Project in Response to the Syria Crisis (TRP)” funded by the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) continues to work for gender mainstreaming which is a fundamental tool in eliminating gender-based discrimination and gender inequality. Gender-responsive transformation and gender mainstreaming activities include increasing the awareness of companies and institutions on gender equality and supporting their active participation in the promotion of this equality.

“Gender Responsive Transformation of Companies and Institutions” programme has been implemented under “Jobs Creation Component” of the Project. The programme was executed to promote gender equality in Izmir, Adana and Gaziantep provinces, where the project is being implemented. Under the scope of this programme, “Taking Action for Gender Equality” training offered by the Mother and Child Education Foundation’s (AÇEV) initiative called “Equality Matters” was held online between 14 and 23 October. (For the link)

Within the scope of the "Municipal Service Delivery Component" of the Project, the shortened programme of the “Taking Action for Gender Equality” training, offered by AÇEV initiative “Equality Matters”, was implemented for Gaziantep City Council Women's Assembly Members in order to raise awareness on gender-based discrimination and gender equality in local administrations. As a part of the gender mainstreaming works in local administrations of UNDP Turkey, the training programme is significant in terms of bringing together participants from different commissions within the Gaziantep City Council Women's Assembly.

The training series, which were held online on 8-24 February by experts in their respective fields, covered 6 different sessions in various formats such as presentations, group studies and joint discussions on different topics with respect to gender equality. The training aimed at enabling participants to look at local government services from a gender equality perspective and to gain competence in advocating for gender equality in their institutions. The following topics were covered throughout the training: Prevention of Gender-Based Discrimination and Equality; Gender; Masculinity and Gender; Gender Equality in Local Administrations; Addressing Change; Great Answers to Possible Questions. At the end of the training, 32 attendees were given certificates of participation.

In addition to the topics covered in the training program, a group study was held with the participants on what can be done to raise awareness on gender equality in municipalities. With a workshop to be held in the upcoming period, including the ideas put forward in this framework, the Women's Council plans to prepare a report regarding the steps to be taken on gender equality in local governments and present it to the Mayor of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality.