Capacity development training for Roma Civil Society Organizations held in Ankara
At a two-day capacity development training organized by the ILO Office for Türkiye for Roma associations, civil society representatives from various provinces of Türkiye received information on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, freedom of association, and project management.
30 June 2025
ANKARA (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO) Office for Türkiye organized a two-day capacity development training on 26–27 June 2025 to support the effective participation of the Roma community in working life. The training in Ankara brought together representatives of Roma civil society organizations from various provinces across Türkiye.
On the first day of the training organized under the "Strengthening Social Partners and Civil Society Capacities on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work Project" implemented by the ILO Office for Türkiye and supported by the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, participants were informed within the framework of the ILO’s fundamental principles and rights at work. Emre Dönmez, ILO Türkiye Senior Project Coordinator, presented the ILO’s efforts toward social justice and decent work. Emel Akalın, ILO Türkiye Training and Research Officer, provided information on ILO Conventions that aim to eliminate discrimination in working life.
Following that, Mine Karakuş, Board Member of the Zero Discrimination Association, shared the challenges and empowerment strategies of disadvantaged groups, especially Roma communities and women, in association and organizing processes.
Later in the day, Sertaç Işık, expert at Council of Europe presented a roadmap for the inclusion of Roma individuals in employment and discussed ongoing policy-level efforts. During the open discussion session held at the end of the day, participants had the opportunity to share the challenges they face and propose potential solutions.
On the second day, the training focused on strengthening the institutional capacities of Roma associations. Independent auditor and financial consultant Hülya Çokşen provided detailed information on the legal and managerial responsibilities of associations. Zeynep Turan, Finance and Procurement Manager at ILO Türkiye, shared technical information on managing ILO grant projects.
In the afternoon sessions, participants engaged in group work to discuss and present implementation plans for grant projects. This approach aimed to encourage Roma civil society organizations to develop a holistic strategy for the implementation of ILO-supported grant initiatives.
The two-day training marked a significant step toward promoting equal and effective participation of the Roma community in working life. Participants noted that they plan to apply the knowledge gained to their local work across different provinces.