The Sunshine of Şanlıurfa Project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) under the coordination of the General Directorate of Development Agencies of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, within the framework of the ENHANCER project, led by the Impact Investing Advisory Board (EYDK), in partnership with TGMP (Turkey Grameen Microfinance Program). 

The aim of the project is to increase the capacity of entrepreneurship institutions, empower Syrian and local women in the entrepreneurship ecosystem by encouraging sustainable partnerships between local and national actors, and ensure social harmony through scalable and adoptable projects.

The Closing Event organised within the scope of the project started with the opening speeches of EYDK Secretary General Tuğçe Söğüt and TGMP Southeastern Anatolia Regional Coordinator Mustafa Pehlivan. Tuğçe Söğüt emphasised the significance of women’s empowerment and stated, “Empowering women has been among the priorities of EYDK since its establishment, as it contributes to the impact economy in fundamental ways. We are delighted to have successfully completed our project in Şanlıurfa, where we were able to support women entrepreneurs through both corporate and individual capacity-building activities, making a significant contribution in this field.” Mustafa Pehlivan, highlighted the contribution of the project to women and expressed, “The Entrepreneurship Training provided by EYDK and TGMP collaboratively in our Şanlıurfa and Siverek branches has been a guiding light for 159 Turkish and Syrian women. It has illuminated the management and development of the businesses run by our working women. By nurturing and enhancing this light, our women will walk more comfortably on their own paths.” Nahid Galluf and Hatice Fidanoğlu, who participated to the Entrepreneurship Training given within the scope of the “Sunshine of Şanlıurfa” project, also shared their experiences at the event, which continued with the presentation of project outputs by Ceren Toraman, EYDK Knowledge and Project Management Specialist. After the speeches, the event continued with the Social Cohesion Workshop. During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to better acquaint themselves with each other through groups composed of Syrian and local women. Additionally, they reinforced the training received within the project’s scope by collaboratively developing business plans.