Health Mediators Take to the Field to Combat Early Marriages in İzmir
Implemented in partnership with the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and UNFPA, the model will strengthen citizens' access to essential services in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
The Health Mediator Model, prepared in cooperation with the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and UNFPA, is being implemented on a pilot basis in the Basmane, Ferahlı, and Ulubatlı neighborhoods with the aim of preventing early and forced marriages and increasing access to public services.
Pilot Regions and Scope
The Health Mediator Model, implemented in line with the cooperation between the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and UNFPA, is beginning its work to prevent early and forced marriages.
The efforts, coordinated by the Urban Justice and Equality Branch Directorate, will be implemented in the Basmane region as well as the Ferahlı and Ulubatlı neighborhoods, as designated by the Departments of Health Affairs and Social Services.
Field Studies and Trainings
Prior to the fieldwork, comprehensive training was provided to the Health Mediators by UNFPA trainers.
The Health Mediators will strengthen citizens' access to health, education, and social services in areas where socioeconomic inequalities are intense.
Rights and Awareness-Raising Activities
By establishing communication based on trust with families, the Health Mediators will create awareness regarding the negative consequences of child marriages.
Information activities targeting women's and men's groups will be carried out to raise awareness on legal rights and gender equality.
Support and Referral Mechanisms
Individuals in need will be referred to psychosocial support, education, and protection mechanisms, ensuring coordination with relevant institutions.
The success stories of young women who continue their education and acquire professions will be made visible, contributing to social transformation.
Expert and Trainer Views
Elmas Köçkün, a trainer at the Urban Justice and Equality Branch Directorate, stated that the model targets disadvantages in areas receiving migration in İzmir.
Köçkün expressed that this model is a process where society educates and nourishes itself, creating active citizens.
Participants' Evaluations
Hüsniye Çoban, who participated in the training, stated that they learned about the problems that early marriages would cause and that they would make their voices heard in the field.
Oğuzhan İlikçi conveyed that he joined the project to reach households bearing risks and to ensure the awareness of families.