ISTANBUL, (DHA) – The ‘New Year Festival Solidarity Women’s Labor Market’ officially opened in Tuzla, Istanbul, today, December 23, 2025, with the participation of Tuzla Mayor Av. Eren Ali Bingöl. This significant event, organized through a collaboration between the Tuzla Municipality and the City Council Women’s Assembly, aims to empower women by providing a platform for them to showcase and sell their handmade products. The market, which features 120 female artisans, will welcome visitors until January 4.
A Platform for Women’s Creativity and Solidarity
The festival, held at the Tuzla Coastal Ceremony Area, offers a diverse range of activities. Visitors can explore various handcrafted gifts made by women from Tuzla, enjoy stage performances, participate in workshops, and enter raffles. This initiative not only provides economic opportunities for women but also fosters a strong sense of community and solidarity among them.
Mayor Bingöl Emphasizes Women’s Empowerment
During the opening ceremony, Tuzla Mayor Av. Eren Ali Bingöl delivered a speech highlighting the crucial role of women in society. He stated, “A society where women are more strongly involved in production, entrepreneurship, and social life is a more just, resilient, and hopeful society.” Mayor Bingöl underscored the importance of women’s economic and social empowerment, affirming that Tuzla Municipality actively supports women through various projects designed to strengthen their position.
Bingöl added, “I am delighted to be with you today at the Women’s Labor Market, which is a concrete example of women’s labor, courage, and solidarity. We, in Tuzla, see this understanding as a responsibility. As Tuzla Municipality, we carry out our work for women with a perspective of equality, empowerment, and sustainable development. We value the spiritual and social empowerment of women; we know that this will also strengthen the family economy. In this context, we support women in their life journeys with psychological counseling and training services offered in our Academy Women units. Because a strong woman is the leader of strong tomorrows.”
An International Step Towards Gender Equality
Mayor Bingöl also commemorated the 99th anniversary of the adoption of the Turkish Civil Code, one of the first social laws accepted by the Republic of Turkey. On this special anniversary, he announced that as the Mayor of Tuzla, he signed the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR). He described this as a historic step that registers Tuzla’s commitment to gender equality at an international level.
Heartfelt Congratulations to Women Entrepreneurs
Bingöl extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the women entrepreneurs who organized the festival and contributed with their hard work. “The Women’s Labor Market is a very valuable area where women display their products, handicrafts, and talents. In this market, women not only gain economic empowerment but also strengthen their solidarity by sharing their experiences with each other. It makes me very happy to have the opportunity to see your production areas, stands, and products up close today,” he remarked.
“Making women’s labor visible, supporting it, and encouraging it is a source of special importance and pride for us. As Tuzla Municipality, we will continue to support the power of women who produce, manage, and transform. I sincerely congratulate all our women entrepreneurs and employees who have created this beautiful market with their efforts; I wish your efforts, success, and path to always be open,” Bingöl concluded.
The Tuzla Women’s Labor Market is expected to draw a significant number of visitors, providing a vibrant cultural and economic hub for the community during the New Year period.
