In the early morning of February 6, 2023, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake devastated southern Türkiye and northern Syria, killing over 50,000 people and collapsing more than 100,000 buildings. Entire cities vanished in a matter of a few minutes. Among them, Hatay, Türkiye was one of the hardest hit by the earthquake. In the immediate aftermath of this unprecedented disaster, the community served as first responders – from carefully rescuing people caught under the rubble to providing meals to families who lost their homes. Two years on, as government recovery lags, women-led initiatives lead rebuilding efforts and envision a thriving future.

Our movement partner in Türkiye, the World March of Women Association of Asia (WMW Turkey), along with their partners in Hatay, have been on the frontlines of recovery, demonstrating that resilience during recovery is rooted in collective action. WMW Türkiye’s network of women-led cooperatives like Hatay Dayanisma Cooperative and Samandağ Women's Cooperative are blending heritage preservation with rebuilding. These cooperatives champion a solidarity economy, empower rural women, and promote agroecology through community-driven and women-led initiatives initiatives rebuilding the city.

From collective gardens and humming laundry cooperatives, to vibrant workshops and warm smiles, these images tell a story of hope rising from the depths of ruins. WMW Türkiye’s work is a reminder that true recovery isn’t about returning to the past—it’s about building something better, and building it together.

From Crisis to Cooperation: The Story of Samandağ Women’s Cooperative

The Samandağ Women’s Cooperative is one of the first women’s cooperatives in Hatay, which has been named a Gastronomy City by UNESCO. The cooperative empowers women to turn culinary traditions into economic independence. Women bring raw ingredients, create packaged goods, and sell them under certified brands like Gastro Hatay, transforming skills into financial autonomy while building a supportive community.

A Lifeline for Women

More than a workplace, the cooperative is a sanctuary for mental health and connection, especially after the earthquake displaced many women. It has trained and certified over 200 women, offered emergency support, and helped families with essentials, serving as both an economic hub and a pillar of resilience. The cooperative embraces transparency, collective decision-making, and environmental sustainability. Organized into shareholder and labor-contributing member groups, it exemplifies a hybrid model blending economic and social empowerment.

Read the full article about women-led initiatives in Hatay, Türkiye by Ayşe Gürsöz at Thousand Currents.