Seda Karakuş: “I firmly believe in the power and strength we gain when women come together, supporting and empowering each other.”

Seda Karakuş is a 27-year-old woman working as an early childhood education specialist in Gaziantep, a southeastern city of Türkiye affected by the earthquakes. Karakuş found herself helping people after the disaster and decided the pursue a career in civil society. After having received mentoring from INGEV, a partner organization of UN Women, she started to work in a civil society organization.

“I am Seda Karakuş, a 27-year-old early childhood education specialist at OXFAM-KEDV. Since earning my degree in Preschool Education from Gaziantep University in 2019, my professional journey has been marked by various experiences. This includes establishing libraries in rural schools for vulnerable groups and providing educational support for children with special needs and disadvantages. Fluent in English, I learned the language through self-motivation, without professional assistance. I consider it a significant investment in myself.

On February 6th, I experienced the earthquakes in Gaziantep. Stepping into action after the disaster, I volunteered to support survivors. The firsthand experience of working in the field, participating in collective efforts, and assisting people further motivated me to continue my career in the humanitarian sector within a civil society organization. I vividly remember telling myself during the earthquake, ‘If something is breaking, it is an opportunity for us to start again.’

Believing in continuous self-improvement throughout one’s life, I explored ways to enhance my skills and, in doing so, encountered the mentoring support provided by INGEV. Recognizing the potential benefits of INGEV’s training for my personal development, I enrolled in their program.

One of the most significant insights during this training was the difficulty I faced in highlighting my skills. With mentoring support and a clear roadmap, I gained a profound understanding of what I want, and more importantly, what I do not want. Crucially, I discovered what I am capable of achieving. The training served as a guide in bringing out my potential.

I was born on August 19th, which also happens to be World Humanitarian Day. I believe that my mission is to help people, particularly contributing to the development of women. Pursuing a career in civil society perfectly aligns with this ideal of mine.

By working for an organization that supports the economic empowerment of women in earthquake-affected areas, I have realized my goal. Providing support to other women in a civil society organization fills me with strength. I firmly believe in the power and strength we gain when women come together, supporting and empowering each other.”

Seda Karakuş was a trainee at the training provided by the Human Development Foundation (INGEV) through the “Hand in hand” (Eleleyiz in Turkish) project. The project, centers on the needs of NEET women aged 18-29, aiming to enhance their vocational skills through online and on-site training activities. INGEV kicked off the project in November 2022 in Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, and Mardin within the “Strong Civic Space for Gender Equality” implemented by UN Women Türkiye with the financial support of the European Union.