AN ANALYSIS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND WOMEN'S COOPERATIVE RELATIONS IN TURKEY: THE CASE OF KADIKÖY MUNICIPALITY AND POTLAÇ WOMEN'S COOPERATIVE

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2024-2-14
Genç, Aysun
The relationship between civil society and government has been the subject of numerous studies over the years. Many civil society organizations view their interactions with both central and local governments as a vital aspect of their efforts to strengthen their capacity. The number of women's cooperatives is growing rapidly, and they have become a strong and integral part of civil society. These cooperatives play a significant role in empowering women both economically and socially, which is particularly important in a context like Turkey, where local governments are often politicized. Thus, examining the relationship between local government and women's cooperatives is crucial as it contains valuable elements. Women's cooperatives play a vital role in empowering women in their local communities. They engage in various activities to empower women economically and socially and also contribute to the economy as medium-sized enterprises. However, the level and nature of support from local municipalities are crucial factors that impact the success of these cooperatives. v In Turkey, a lot of local governments perceive women's cooperatives merely as a means to gain women's votes, failing to fully grasp the significance of this issue. However, in municipalities where the women's cooperatives and other civil society elements are given due importance, it becomes apparent that political interference can have an adverse impact on these crucial processes. This thesis discusses the impact of political interventions and interruptions on women who try to organize and create their own stories, using the example of Kadıköy Municipality and Potlaç Women's Cooperative. It highlights how these women transform their area of existence into a field of negotiation and struggle. This example also emphasizes the importance of having a well-structured and written communication system based on equality, which can help strengthen the capacity of local organizations.
Citation Formats
A. Genç, “AN ANALYSIS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND WOMEN’S COOPERATIVE RELATIONS IN TURKEY: THE CASE OF KADIKÖY MUNICIPALITY AND POTLAÇ WOMEN’S COOPERATIVE,” M.S. - Master of Science, Middle East Technical University, 2024.