In the aftermath of the earthquake, local communities in Kahramanmaraş demonstrated a spirit of solidarity, becoming a key driver of recovery in the region. Semiha, who took part in our Locally Led Empowerment program, which provided micro-grants and supervision support to these communities, shares her experiences.
The earthquakes that struck Kahramanmaraş in 2023 deeply impacted the city. This disaster not only shook the physical structures but also profoundly affected the spirits of the people. However, during these challenging times, the local communities of Kahramanmaraş—women, the elderly, and children—showed remarkable solidarity, supporting each other and striving to rebuild together. In this process, local communities developed projects based on their culture, geography, and shared decisions. Locally led empowerment became one of the most important principles for these communities. The active participation of every voice and engagement in communal decision-making made the projects more meaningful and sustainable. This approach allowed the communities to write their own stories and look to the future with hope.
The experience I gained while working with local communities from May 2023 to July 2024 was both educational and inspiring. As a humanitarian worker, I felt proud to witness their stories and support their efforts. Seeing the impact of localization efforts strengthened my belief and motivation to continue working in this field. My journey, which began as a project officer at Support to Life, now continues under the umbrella of the Turkiye Local NGOs Humanitarian Forum. I would like to share my observations on the importance of localization in disaster response, drawing from my experiences in Kahramanmaraş.
The Power of the Local and Collective Decision-Making
The local communities in Kahramanmaraş gathered in village cafes, in the streets, and sometimes even among the ruins. In these meetings, they listened to each other, sometimes engaging in heated debates. But each time, they moved forward by making collective decisions. The communities promoted, explained, and facilitated projects not only for their villages or neighborhoods but also for other communities that lacked access to services. At first, they may not have realized it, but by designing these projects, they initiated a significant transformation. They discovered the power of working together and saw how effective locally made decisions could be. This process was not just about coming together; it also meant strengthening towards a common goal. Through solidarity and local leadership, they found ways to rebuild and recover in Kahramanmaraş.
Before the earthquake, local communities were inexperienced in civil society, associations, or humanitarian work and even had prejudices against these areas. Now, they are developing new projects in collaboration with many different institutions and have become the parts of local civil society themselves.
The Leadership and Empowerment of Women
In an environment where gender roles negatively impacted women, they played a crucial role in post-disaster recovery efforts. The projects initiated by the communities to meet their needs not only increased social solidarity but also reinforced the self-confidence of women. One woman, expressing what was an extraordinary experience for her, said, "I went to the center of Kahramanmaraş without my husband," and through the project they developed within the local community, she received a job offer. Her story became a concrete example of the motivation provided by local solidarity and support networks and inspired other women.
The Names and Meanings of the Communities
The communities in Kahramanmaraş chose inspiring names to define themselves, reflecting both the spirit of solidarity and the determination to overcome challenges:
- Youth Teams: The term "youth" adds energy and dynamism. Individuals actively participate in solidarity projects, building both their own and their communities' futures.
- Solidarity Groups: These groups symbolize the power of coming together to overcome difficulties. They work together to meet the needs of every individual.
- Butterflies: As a symbol of change and transformation, butterflies aim to make a positive impact on people's lives through these communities. They strive to create significant differences with small but effective changes.
- Struggle Team: Coming together in a process full of challenges, this team represents the spirit of struggle. With each individual's courage, they strengthen their resilience, bringing hope and strength to society.
The Key to Rebirth: Solidarity
Despite the pain they experienced, the local communities of Kahramanmaraş have risen again. One community member's words remain etched in my mind: "You took us out of the box we were closed in and showed us our strength; we are filled with hope and reborn." These communities, having discovered the power of solidarity, embarked on remarkable initiatives, led by women, the elderly, and children. Moving forward with an understanding of empowerment through local leadership, and with respect for their culture and geography, they will continue to play a vital role in Kahramanmaraş's recovery and the formation of a stronger society. What I have seen with concrete results is that today, solidarity in disaster areas is not only a method to overcome pain but also the key to the birth of a strong civil society and local recovery.
Semiha İnal
Turkiye Local NGOs Humanitarian Forum
Kahramanmaraş Focal Point and Grant Advisor
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