A training on legal literacy for women victims of the earthquakes in February 2023 and women exposed to gender-based violence, supported by the European Union and the Council of Europe, was held on 9 December 2023 in Hatay. Hatay is one of the pilot provinces included in  the joint European Union and Council of Europe action on “Fostering women's access to justice in Türkiye”. This training aimed to empower women in claiming their rights and making use of available support mechanisms in case of violations of rights, starting from the right to life.

The activity explored the legal issues women frequently encounter such as gender-based violence, divorce, alimony, and informed participants of the available support mechanisms. In addition, considering the urgent needs following the earthquake, a session was dedicated to women’s right to housing. The participants were also informed about how to obtain free legal support through the legal aid system. The action is currently funding legal aid in eight pilot provinces under a grant agreement with the Union of Turkish Bar Associations. 

The action will organise another training on legal literacy in early 2024.

The action on “Fostering women's access to justice in Türkiye” is part of the European Union and Council of Europe’s joint programme "Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye". It contributes to enhancing accessibility and quality of legal aid services for women and supporting key stakeholders, including civil society, as well as to increase legal awareness and literacy among women in Türkiye.