Lotus Women's Solidarity and Life Association

Lotus Women's Solidarity and Life Association is a Turkish non-governmental organization that aims to support and empower women who have experienced domestic violence, abuse, and discrimination. The organization was founded in 1997 by a group of women who recognized the need for a safe and supportive space for women in their community. Since then, Lotus has provided a range of services, including counseling, legal assistance, and vocational training to help women rebuild their lives and gain financial independence.

Lotus Women's Solidarity and Life Association also works to raise awareness about gender-based violence and advocates for policy changes to improve the lives of women in Turkey. The organization has been recognized both nationally and internationally for its work, and it continues to be an important resource for women who need support and solidarity in the face of violence and discrimination.

Lotus Women's Solidarity and Life Association is a non-governmental organization based in Istanbul, Turkey, that was founded in 1997 by a group of women who recognized the need for a safe and supportive space for women in their community. The organization's founders were inspired by feminist ideas and aimed to support women who had experienced domestic violence, abuse, and discrimination.

Over the years, Lotus has become one of the most respected organizations working to promote women's rights and gender equality in Turkey. The organization has been recognized both nationally and internationally for its work, and it continues to be an important resource for women who need support and solidarity in the face of violence and discrimination.

In 1998, Lotus opened its first women's shelter in Istanbul, providing a safe haven for women who had experienced domestic violence and abuse. In 1999, Lotus launched its first counseling and legal aid service, providing support to women who were seeking justice against their abusers. In 2000, Lotus began offering vocational training programs to women, including courses in sewing, handicrafts, and computer literacy.

In 2003, Lotus established a social enterprise that produced handmade products, providing employment opportunities for women who had experienced domestic violence and abuse. In 2007, Lotus launched a campaign to raise awareness about gender-based violence and discrimination in Turkey. The campaign included workshops and seminars to educate women on their rights and how to identify and report instances of violence and abuse.

In 2010, Lotus established the first hotline for women in Turkey, providing support and counseling to women who were experiencing domestic violence and abuse. In 2014, Lotus began offering legal aid services to refugee and migrant women, who were particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence and discrimination. In 2016, Lotus launched the "Solidarity Network" project, which aimed to create a network of women's organizations to share resources and support each other's work.

Empowering women economically: One of the key goals of the association is to help women gain economic independence and support themselves and their families. They do this by providing various forms of vocational training, education programs, and microcredit and entrepreneurship opportunities. For example, they offer courses on computer skills, handicrafts, and other skills that can help women start their own businesses or find employment. They also provide microcredit loans and other forms of financial support to women who need them. The organisation has actively participated in various related initiatives by UN Women and the European Union.

Providing legal support: The association provides legal counseling and support to women who have experienced gender-based violence, discrimination, or other forms of legal injustice. They work to raise awareness about women's legal rights and advocate for changes to laws and policies that discriminate against women. They also offer legal aid and representation to women who need it, and they work to build networks with other legal organizations and practitioners to strengthen their impact.

Providing psychosocial support: The association recognizes that many women who have experienced trauma or violence may also need psychosocial support to heal and move forward. They offer counseling and support services to women who need it, and they work to build networks with mental health practitioners to ensure that women have access to the care they need. They also offer support groups and other community-building activities to help women connect and build relationships with others who have had similar experiences.

Raising awareness about women's issues: The association runs awareness-raising campaigns and educational programs on various issues related to women's rights. For example, they organize workshops and events on gender-based violence, discrimination, and reproductive health. They also work to educate women and their communities about the importance of gender equality and the ways in which discrimination and violence can be prevented.

Lotus Women's Solidarity and Life Association has made a significant impact on women's lives in Turkey. Through its various programs and services, the organization has provided support and empowerment to women who have experienced domestic violence, abuse, and discrimination. In 2020 alone, Lotus provided counseling services to over 1,200 women who had experienced domestic violence and abuse. Of these, 73% were able to obtain a restraining order against their abuser. Through its vocational training programs, Lotus has provided training to over 800 women in various skills, such as sewing, handicrafts, and computer literacy. These programs have helped women gain financial independence and improve their economic situations. 

Additionally, Lotus's social enterprise has provided employment opportunities for over 60 women who have experienced domestic violence and abuse. These women have been able to support themselves and their families through the income they earn from working in the enterprise.

Lotus has also been instrumental in raising awareness about gender-based violence and advocating for policy changes to promote gender equality in Turkey. In 2018, Lotus organized a campaign to raise awareness about the effects of domestic violence on women's mental health. The campaign included a series of workshops and seminars that reached over 2,000 women. Through its advocacy work, Lotus has successfully lobbied for policy changes that have improved the lives of women in Turkey. For example, the organization was instrumental in the passage of the Law on the Protection of Family and Prevention of Violence Against Women in 2014. 

In 2021, Lotus was part of a coalition of women's organizations that successfully lobbied for the establishment of a parliamentary committee to investigate gender-based violence in Turkey. The committee's findings will inform policy changes aimed at preventing and addressing gender-based violence in the country. Through its legal aid services, Lotus has provided support to women who have faced discrimination in the workplace. For example, in 2019, the organization represented a woman who had been fired from her job because she was pregnant. As a result of Lotus's efforts, the woman was reinstated in her job and received compensation for the discrimination she had faced.