The Sabancı Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Türkiye, has launched a new grant program aimed at supporting civil society organizations (CSOs) in their efforts to prevent child, early, and forced marriages (CEFM) in Turkey. The initiative underscores a commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of vulnerable individuals, particularly women and girls.
The program seeks to fund projects that address the root causes and consequences of CEFM through various strategies, including:
- Strengthening Specialized Services: Enhancing the capacity of service providers to offer high-quality, inclusive, and rights-based reproductive health services, especially in humanitarian settings.
- Community Mobilization: Implementing community-based interventions to raise awareness and change social norms that perpetuate CEFM.
- Adolescent Health and Youth Empowerment: Promoting health education and empowering young people to make informed decisions about their lives.
- Women’s Empowerment: Providing resources and support to women and girls to assert their rights and pursue opportunities.
- Engagement of Men and Boys: Involving male community members in efforts to challenge and change attitudes towards CEFM.
The deadline for applications is May 2, 2025. Interested CSOs are encouraged to submit proposals that align with the program’s objectives and demonstrate innovative approaches to combating CEFM.
This initiative reflects a broader commitment to human rights and social development in Turkey, aiming to create a future where all individuals can make autonomous decisions about their lives free from coercion or pressure.
