The International Gastronomy Festival held on 12-15 September 2019 in Gaziantep is becoming more tasteful [/delicious] with the participation of SADA Women’s Cooperative founded by 50 women with the motto “United we are stronger.” Through the Cooperative founded by Syrian, Turkish and Afghan women in solidarity, SADA women are now able to generate out of their production. The Cooperative contributes to social coherence between the migrant and Turkish communities. The highly successful Cooperative has its next destination at Paris!

The Cooperative, supported by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women) in the lead as well as by the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality and Association for Solidarity with Asylum-Seekers and Migrants (ASAM), consists of women who have benefited from the services of SADA Centre.

Having completed vocational training in various courses at the Centre financed by the European Union and Government of Japan, women have the means and opportunity to get their products to customers through the Cooperative.

Syrian, Afghan and Turkish motifs

Women receive training in such areas as shoe-upping, kitchen workshop, home textiles in the safe environment of SADA Centre. SADA Women’s Cooperative on the other hand offers them the opportunity to make products based on their learning at the Centre, and generate income out of such products. Women produce many products such as leather bags, leather shoes, wallets, beach bags, makeup kit etc. In addition, they cook dishes of Syrian, Afghan and Turkish kitchens in the kitchen workshop.

The Cooperative forges bonds between Syrian, Afghan and Turkish women, and contributes to strengthening social cohesion on account of cultural interaction. Women reflect Syrian, Afghan and Turkish cultures and motives onto the dishes, bags and cloths that they produce.

From Gaziantep to Paris Peace Forum

With every woman having voice, and managed equitably and democratically, the Cooperative is set to go to Paris! As one of the top 100 successful initiatives, it was selected to introduce itself at Paris Peace Forum and meet the leading names in the world.

Products Displayed at Gastronomy Festival

Opening a stand at the Gastronomy Festival, SADA Women’s Cooperative will offer both its delicious dishes and other products to the people of Gaziantep. Throughout the Festival, the stand will feature Syrian desserts, Turkish dishes, Afghan handicraft and many other products enriching the Festival.