“Women’s Labor in Agriculture Summit” organized by ARDSI launches today in Ankara.
In her address at the summit, First Lady Emine Erdoğan stated that 12 thousand plant species are observed in Türkiye while 13 thousand plant species are available across the whole continent of Europe.
Remarking that a substantial responsibility falls upon every shoulder to preserve the wealth of this geography that stands out as a privilege, Mrs. Erdoğan went on to say:
"I believe that you understand the best how serious such a responsibility is. Because, there is a longstanding history built on labor between women and the earth. You are the ones who lay the seed into the embrace of the earth, nourish it with prayers, and nurture it with hands dripping with compassion. You know that the earth has its own destiny, and it is an ancient teacher that inspires patience. Just as the Anatolian soil is fertile, so is the Anatolian woman diligent and productive. In Turkey, as in the world, more than half of food production is in the hands of women.”
“We have taken affirmative actions in favor of women and will continue to do so”
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı stated that women are the main source of success recorded in rural development.
Remarking that the rural development is a strategic field from the perspective of national food supply security, raw material supply for the industry and contribution to employment; Minister Yumaklı said “We have taken positive actions for women in all the policies we have implemented and continue to do so. We are aware that as far as rural development is concerned, the presence of women means sustainability. In this regard, economic empowerment of women plays a key role in improvement and strengthening of rural areas. IPARD and ARDSI grant support has a substantial share in our rural development investments.”
14 billion liras of grant support from ARDSI to over 6 thousand entrepreneur women
ARDSI President Dr. Ahmet Antalyalı highlighted that they have provided over 6 thousand entrepreneur women with approximately 14 billion liras of grant support so far.
Emphasizing that investments reaching up to 30 billion liras have been brought in the national economy with the grants, President Antalyalı pointed out to the fact that 33 thousand women have been employed thanks to those investments.
Mr. Antalyalı reported that over 25 thousand projects have been supported with 45 billion liras of grants so far, in scope of the IPARD I and II Programmes and continued:
“95 billion liras of investment has been realized in the agriculture and food sectors of the country, thanks to the grants. The investments contributed to the employment opportunities created for over 100 thousand people. In scope of the IPARD III Programme to be launched in the upcoming days, 786 million euros of grant support is going to be made available to realize 1.2 billions of investment and create employment opportunities for 40 thousand people. 67 percent of the grants has been received by young investors while 30 percent has been offered to women. We are going to extend the IPARD Programme applicable in 42 provinces to cover 81 provinces.”
Honorable First Lady Emine Erdoğan and Minister Yumaklı presented plaques to Merve Atıcı, Hatem Kümbet, Buket Yıldırım, Munise Çetin and Zübeyde Baloğlu who are women receiving grant support from ARDSI, and photos were taken in memory of the event.
“The Session on Rural Areas and Women’s Participation in Rural Economy”
The protocol members visited the stands of ARDSI Provincial Coordination Units and LAGs benefiting from the IPARD Program grant supports. During these visits, they examined the products and gathered information from female farmers.
The first day of the summit was completed with “The Session on Rural Areas and Women’s Participation in Rural Economy”.
The summit is going to continue with the sessions planned for the 7th- 8th March.
