Thanks to the solidarity of Italian cooperatives, Legacoop successfully completed a fundraising campaign to support the areas of Turkey affected by the February 6, 2023 earthquake. The main goal of this initiative was to support the reconstruction and revival of the economic and social activities of local cooperatives, with particular attention to women's entrepreneurship.
An International Collaboration Initiative, developed thanks to the long-standing partnership between Legacoop and the International Cooperative Alliance, was carried out with the support of Haliéus in coordination with the Union of Turkish Forestry Cooperatives, Genç Isi cooperative, and the International Labour Organization. The first phase involved mapping and assessing the needs of Turkish cooperatives, identifying the key sector for the local economy: textiles and cosmetic craftsmanship.
Among the mapped cooperatives, Rimmen was identified as the main beneficiary of this initiative. The cooperative acts as a hub for a network of local women's cooperatives, with a well-structured governance and the ability to generate a positive impact on other businesses in the area. The initiative involved five cooperatives in the textile and craft sector, supporting 20 women through workshops aimed at resuming economic activities, creating job opportunities, and strengthening sector-specific skills.
Thanks to the funds raised, a workshop on marketing and cooperative identity was also held, with the goal of exploring new market cooperation opportunities. This included meetings with Italian cooperatives operating in the same sector, exchanging best practices, and exploring potential collaborations. Additionally, machines for producing handcrafted soaps were provided, improving the efficiency of traditional production methods. A refurbished container was also made available, allowing for increased production and better working conditions for local artisans.
On February 27, two years after the earthquake, the closing event was held in Hatay, attended by Francesca Ottolenghi, Head of the International Relations and Development Cooperation Office of Legacoop, and Claudia Colabella, Project Manager of Haliéus. Legacoop highlighted the importance of cooperative solidarity as a key driver of economic recovery. The workshop, organized with the support of the Rimmen Cooperative, served as a crucial opportunity to strengthen the network of women's cooperatives in the region. Thanks to the collaboration between Haliéus and Genç İşi cooperative, new prospects for cooperation were explored to continue supporting the remarkable work of the women of Rimmen.
The resilience and dedication of these women stand as concrete proof of how cooperation can drive economic and social rebirth, once again demonstrating that cooperative solidarity knows no borders.
