Turkish Women’s Initiative (TWI) was founded in California in 2008 by a group of people committed to improving the status of women around the world. We are an intercultural Initiative with a small core staff and an ever-widening group of advisors and volunteers. We partner with individuals, educational institutions, corporations, charitable groups, and non-profits in the U.S. and in Turkey. We develop innovative and sustainable programs to improve the lives of Turkish girls and women in collaboration with a diverse group of women and men from both countries. Along the way, we foster intercultural dialogue, exchange resources, and build mutigenerational transnational networks. Some of our advisors and volunteers are directly involved in program implementation; others, including international advisors from countries in other parts of the world, offer expertise and inspiration.
Our Mission
The Turkish Women’s Initiative (TWI) has as its mission the advancement of Turkey’s growth and prosperity by strengthening the contributions of its girls and women. We offer programs and services to promote leadership, educational opportunities, economic independence and civic engagement among Turkish girls and women. We facilitate small, regional programs tailored to the needs and resources of specific communities. We begin with cost-effective pilot projects which can be easily reviewed and refined. Ongoing interaction and feedback between recipients and planners is emphasized. We believe in mentorship, grassroots community-based learning, incorporating the arts, sharing best practices, employing web technology, networking, and honoring old fashioned hands-on wisdom.
At the present time, recognizing both a keen interest in leadership development for girls and young women in school and gaps in service delivery, we are focusing on projects for girls and young women in middle school, high school and university. Some of our project components also involve boys and young men.