Empower 300 Girls through Education in Turkey

HE & SHE TOGETHER

THEY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND WE CAN HELP!

Dear Supporter:

Bridge to Türkiye Fund (BTF) is deeply saddened by the tragic murder of a young university student ‎Özgecan Aslan in Tarsus, Turkey and condemns all forms of violence against women and girls. This tragic event reminds us of the importance of providing access to contemporary education to both boys and girls.

There is a significant body of research showing how gender equality, women’s rights and women’s empowerment can have a catalytic effect on the achievement of sustained peace, development, human rights and sound relationships between the environment and human populations. It has become clear that a strategic shift needs to occur that brings men and boys side by side with women and girls, in order to break through the barriers preventing women and girls from achieving their full potential and contributing this potential to our global community.

Who is Özgecan Aslan?

Özgecan Aslan was a 20-year old, first-year psychology student who was murdered by a minibus driver as she was returning home from her school in Tarsus, in southern Turkey. The murder of this young woman sparked outrage in Turkey and the international communities and drew attention to the increasing number of violent incidents against women.

 Program Overview:

Inspired by the demonstrated belief that “education is the best investment we can make for social change” Bridge to Türkiye Fund (BTF) has established a memorial fund to honor Özgecan Aslan’s memory and to provide scholarships for young deserving men and women from her native region Tarsus, Turkey.

BTF’s current empowerment scholarship program will be expanded to include scholarships to honor Özgecan’s memory. Our history of supporting underprivileged students with the gift of education dates back to 2004. During the 2014-2015 academic year, BTF provided 259 (217 girls and young women) scholarships to low income students. Scholarships for the Özgecan Aslan Memorial Fund will be awarded on the basis of academic merit to students from low-income families. 100% of donations will support successful students with financial need and will be coordinated through our local trusted NGOs in the region.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Turkey is one of the countries where violence against women occurs with alarming frequency. There is a strong correlation between violence against women and literacy. The achievement of gender equality requires an inclusive approach - a solidarity movement that recognizes the crucial role of men and boys as partners for women’s and girls’ rights.

Potential Long Term Impact

The scholarships will provide economic assistance to university students from low-income families in creating better futures for themselves, their families and communities. These scholarships are vital to keeping the youth in school.

Ultimately, these scholarships will help a new generation of men and women leaders serving as positive change makers in society where every young girl and boy would have the same opportunity to succeed, the chance to live out their dreams.

Please join us and support this important cause. By contributing to Özgecan Aslan Memorial Fund, you will help make a difference in the lives of a rural young woman or a man and make strides towards ending gender inequality.

With Gratitude,